IATA, UNWTO to launch destination tracker to restore travel confidence
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of a Destination Tracker on Friday.
The feature, which is aimed at restoring normality to international travel and confidence in tourism, is the result of both organizations joint efforts and will help governments provide information on Covid-19 requirements for travel and on the measures in place upon arrival at the destination.
The tool is available through the websites of both organizations and will provide information on Covid-19 indicators including infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination roll out by destination/country, air travel regulations, including test and quarantine requirements, provided by IATA’s Timatic solution and destination measures, including general health and safety requirements such as use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organisations.
The Destination Tracker will fulfil a key need by providing clarity on the Covid-19 measures impacting on tourism tourism, which is expected to improve in summer.
According to UNWTO data, one in three destinations remains closed to tourists.
“It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost as Covid-19 measures saw borders close. When governments have the confidence to re-open borders people will be eager to travel. And they will need accurate information to guide them,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General.
“With the support of national tourism organizations, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker will help travelers and travel companies obtain the latest information for travel planning."