What
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in an effort to enhance consumer confidence in flying and traveling internationally.
Why It Matters
Although there has been a steady increase in Americans’ confidence regarding travel, much of it centers on domestic road trips. Most consumers are still uncomfortable with the thought of flying, especially on international trips that are subject to last-minute rule changes and border closures. This partnership aims to provide a clearer collaboration between the private and public sectors to gain back consumer confidence in flying internationally, which, in turn, will make travel advisors’ jobs that much less fraught.
Tourists want to feel safe, and they want to be confident that their travel plans won’t be affected by last-minute changes to rules and regulations.
What They Are Saying
“The safe opening of international borders to tourism is essential,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general of IATA. “Tourists want to feel safe, and they want to be confident that their travel plans won’t be affected by last-minute changes to rules and regulations. For this to happen, even greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is needed. This enhanced partnership with the World Tourism Organization will help guide aviation’s recovery over the critical months ahead.”
“Air travel is an essential component of global tourism,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of UNWTO. “This partnership between UNWTO and IATA will see us work closely together to increase confidence in flying and tourism in general. UNWTO will use our expertise in innovation and our status as a connector of public and private sector leaders to help get aviation moving again.”
The Details
International Air Transport Association
www.iata.org
United Nations World Tourism Organization
www.unwto.org
