In an effort to bolster consumer confidence in travel, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has been gradually releasing hygiene and safety guidelines for different sectors of the tourism industry, as well as a Safe Travels stamp that signifies compliance with such guidelines.
WTTC’s latest set of safety and hygiene guidelines are specific to tourist attractions, car rentals and short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.
“Worldwide attractions, car hire and short-term rentals all represent key components of many family holidays, so it’s vital we establish measures which allow safe travels to take place for holidaymakers and travelers,” said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC. “Consumer confidence is crucial to create a climate in which travel and tourism can resume. We know travelers will want to explore and engage with the world around them once more, and their return will also help power the world’s much-needed economic recovery.”
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Attractions
Guidelines for attractions include encouraging the purchase of tickets in advance and employing timed entries; adjusting capacities to allow for physical distancing; utilizing virtual queue systems and touch-free payment options; making personal protection equipment (PPE) available for all customer-facing staff; enhancing cleaning at touch points such as common areas and handrails; and sanitizing strollers, wheelchairs and other guest transportation.
As echoed in other industry guidelines, hand sanitizer will become available in high-traffic areas. WTTC suggests that waterparks “evaluate closing or removing hands-on interactive features within play structures if they aren’t covered in treated pool water.”
To avoid crowding at exits, WTTC recommends that attractions increase the number of performances given and use an end-of-show announcement to tell guests to take their time exiting.
Car Rental
WTTC’s recommendations for car rentals include enhancing cleaning at all office and touchpoints such as check-in counters and washrooms; migrating to a fully digital process; and limiting physical interaction with staff and encouraging use of curbside pick-up and drop off.
Additionally, renters should have to provide pre-arrival health declaration via email if required; should undergo health/temperature checks if recommended by legislation; and attempt to limit the number of people present at vehicle pick-up.
WTTC suggests that “all cars be cleaned with a focus on high-frequency touch points such as keys, steering wheels, steering column, gear stick, seats, seat pockets, seat belts, door handles, gearboxes, gloveboxes, vents, key fobs, door interiors, areas between seats, dashboards, radio controls, center consoles, rearview and side mirrors, cup holders and other surfaces.”
Short-Term Rentals
Recommendations for short-term rentals include using contact-free technology for check-in and payment; minimizing physical interaction with guests by offering keys, check-in and check-out in a contactless manner; providing guests with social-distancing etiquette, including in the use of elevators if relevant; and providing hand sanitizer at rental’s entrance.
WTTC recommends that short-term rentals “enhance sanitation, disinfection and deep-cleaning practices as well as increasing their cleaning/disinfection frequency with a focus on high-frequency touch points, including bedrooms, common areas, washrooms and kitchens, including cutlery and utensil sanitization.”
"The industry will rebound, and is critical to supporting the social and economic recovery of communities,” said Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, which recently released its Enhanced Clean protocols. “Airbnb welcomes the WTTC's work to create health and safety protocols that protect communities and support governmental efforts to reopen economies."
The Details
World Travel & Tourism Council
www.wttc.org
