The WTTC is calling on governments to abandon the concept of “high-risk countries” and instead focus on how individual “high-risk travellers” are treated at borders, in order to revive international travel securely.
Rather than labelling entire populations as “high-risk”, governments around the world should look at individual traveller risk assessment, relying on comprehensive testing and use of technology to avoid exporting the virus.
A common international consensus on the metrics used to assess risk coupled with a focus on a cost-effective, comprehensive, and rapid departure and arrival testing scheme for all travellers could pave the way forward for the meaningful return of travel, said WTTC.
It would also ensure only those affected are forced to isolate, while travellers who test negative can continue to enjoy safe travels through observing hygiene protocols such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said: “Risk based on entire countries is neither effective nor productive. Redefining risk towards individual travellers instead will be key for unlocking the door to the return of safe international travel. We need to learn from past experiences and crises such as 9-11.
“We cannot continue labelling entire countries as ‘high-risk’ which assumes everyone is infected. While the UK is currently seeing high levels of infections, clearly not all Britons are infected; the same goes for all Americans, Spaniards, or the French.
“The reality is much more complex. Not only does it stigmatise an entire nation, but it also halts travel and mobility when many people who test negative on departure and arrival could safely travel without exporting the virus.”
Guevara also pointed out that a comprehensive testing regime will be less costly than the implementation of blanket quarantines and lockdowns.
“We must learn to live with the virus, as it will take time for the global population to be vaccinated. This is why WTTC has long advocated introducing a comprehensive and cost-effective test on departure and arrival for all international travellers, as a way of preventing those carrying the virus from spreading it,” she said.
“As always, there is a crucial balance to be struck between the priority on public health with the need to sustain economic activity. (Besides) ensuring people are safe and healthy, we also need to secure the health of the global economy – and revive the 174 million travel and tourism jobs affected by this devastating pandemic.”
Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed in principle to implement the reciprocal green lane scheme to facilitate bilateral travel, pending approval by health authorities in both countries.
Foreign Affairs Ministry secretary-general, Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, said that follow-ups were required to fine-tune the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He was quoted by The Star as saying: “A follow-up is necessary as far as Malaysia is concerned on tightening the existing SOPs. The scheme will be implemented once Malaysian and Indonesian health authorities deem it appropriate.”
Tourism, arts and culture minister, Nancy Shukri, said in a press statement that the travel bubble initiative is part of the ministry’s recovery plans formulated since last July to revitalise the country’s tourism and culture sector.
She added that the ministry had also previously held discussions with the Health Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Ministry to explore opportunities in creating travel bubbles with neighbouring countries such as Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
“Its implementation, however, is subject to bilateral discussions and considerations based on the aspects of health, immigration, data tracking, and ongoing monitoring by relevant agencies in both countries,” she said.
Nancy also highlighted that Malaysia had proposed for transparency and standardisation of cross-border SOPs enforced by safe countries to facilitate easier travel.
While welcoming the travel bubble plan, Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association president, Uzaidi Udanis, opined that careful and detailed study of the mechanisms is crucial to ensure strict adherence to SOPs in order to guard against imported cases.
He said: “The SOPs must be clearly stated in writing to ensure tourism industry players are clear about the procedures.”
He added that the reopening of the border with Indonesia presented inbound players from Malaysia with an opportunity to capture the high-end travellers from Indonesia, a segment that has remained under-tapped.