The latest protocols for rebuilding consumer confidence in order to reopen adventure tourism have been announced by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The adventure tourism sector is expecting to see a growth in the number of travellers in the post-COVID world.
These protocols have been assisted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) while also taking into account guidance from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognises the countries and businesses who have adopted them worldwide.
The adventure tourism industry includes a large range of experiences such as trekking, snowboarding, rafting, wildlife safaris, culinary tours, skiing and cycling among others. Most of these activities are outdoors and the group sizes can be maintained to allow for social distancing. The newly launched COVID-19 Travel Demand Recovery Dashboard by WTTC recognises adventure tourism as one of the fastest rising segments.
At the heart of WTTC&rsquos safe travel protocols is the welfare of travellers along with the millions of employees in the travel and tourism industry. The protocols provide consistency to nations and places as well as guidance to airlines, travel operators about the latest approach to hygiene and health in the post pandemic world.
The measures announced include limited physical contact and queuing wherever possible, promoting contact tracing apps if required by local laws, and informing travellers about support available if any concerns arise.
The reduction of participant capacity limits for any activity to maintain physical distancing, providing consistent and up-to-date information about new health and hygiene protocols through the company&rsquos channels, both physically and digitally, and ensuring that activity difficulty levels are not exceeding the ability and skills of travellers, are some of the other measures.
Travellers should be encouraged to purchase tickets via online methods if possible. An important safety measure to keep in mind is that the organisation must keep members of the same group together for all activities in order to lower the risk of outsiders being exposed. And all travellers should be encouraged to bring their own gear and equipment for the entire trip.
