The mutations of the coronavirus have raised concerns and many governments are beginning to take emergency measures.
However, travel agencies around the world agree that there should be no travel restrictions.
Specifically, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Association of South African Travel Agencies (ASATA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), which together represent hundreds of thousands of people working in travel agencies and other related businesses around the world, are calling on leaders of all countries to accelerate the the lifting of all national or local travel restrictions.
«When officials make public policy decisions in the interest of public health, those governments have an obligation to provide financial resources to the sectors and individuals affected by those decisions. Border closures and the implementation of new restrictions affect millions of workers in the travel and tourism industry. At the same time, they subject already vulnerable businesses to further risk and take away from their recovery, while government revenues continue to decline due to the loss of economic activity in an industry that - according to the World Travel and Tourism Council - represents one in ten jobs globally,» they say, and go on to point out that «the recent and more stringent border closures have had a significant impact on international travel.
We collectively call on the leaders of all countries to follow the best available scientific evidence in setting border measures, including laboratory controls and bans. Many countries follow strict biosecurity protocols including mask use, social distancing and vaccination requirements. The addition of new border restrictions is causing a significant economic impact on businesses in the travel and tourism industry that will likely offer nothing to protect communities.»
The associations also stress that:
«It is critical that government policy is guided by science and not by political pressures or the desire to appear to be a «project» since restrictions have a significant and sometimes irreversible impact on businesses and jobs.
We call on governments to take responsibility for their actions by supporting travel-dependent businesses until restrictions are lifted and normal travel patterns resume.
So far, government action in this economic area has been uneven at best. We highlight the fact that, in response to its restrictions on Covid, Canada has pledged support for travel-dependent businesses in this country through May 2022, and we urge other world leaders to follow suit.»
The World Health Organization (WHO) continued to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions in countries facing COVID-19 outbreaks: «In general, evidence shows that restricting the movement of people and goods during public health emergencies is ineffective in most cases. and can divert resources from other interventions... Travel bans in affected areas or denying entry to passengers from affected areas are usually not effective in preventing the introduction of outbreaks, but can have a significant economic and social impact.» This is in line with the most recent authoritative and scientific analysis by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which confirms that travel restrictions in general do not have an effective impact on the spread of the virus in Europe.
Governments around the world must prioritise global vaccine distribution, and should continue to support freedom of movement using scientifically tested and reasonable measures - mask use, enhanced hygiene protocols, reasonable laboratory testing requirements and now, vaccination certificates. The global infrastructure to accommodate rapid turnaround times for PCR and other recognized laboratory tests, all with results exported within a 24-hour time frame, is arduous even in the most advanced markets. Testing must be widely available and affordable, and it is incumbent on governments around the world to provide the resources and support the scientific approach required for laboratory testing and vaccination requirements.
Given its clear and devastating impact on the global economy, travel restrictions and direct bans cause serious economic damage. The ability to travel safely remains a fundamental indicator of our success against this virus. Restricting access to travel only perpetuates the economic impact and postpones the global recovery in terms of travel and many other economic factors around the world.
ASTA, ASATA, ACTA, CHTA, ECTAA and WTAAA are calling on government leaders around the world to provide dedicated financial support to travel-dependent businesses and to lift travel bans as soon as possible. Easing restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers entering the U.S. and other markets should continue to be a top priority, but more must be done to ensure that travel-dependent businesses have access to immediate relief when government actions are the proximate cause of economic hardship.
