ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a global safety and hygiene stamp. This will allow travellers to recognise governments and businesses around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

The move has also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

Eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation and airports, will be able to use the stamp once the health and hygiene protocols, outlined by WTTC, have been implemented.

Destinations will also help to award the stamp of approval to local suppliers.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president ceo commented: "We are delighted that UNWTO is supporting the private sector global protocols and our efforts as public-private collaboration is critical to ensure a faster recovery.

"We have learned from past crises that global standard protocols and consistency provides confidence for the traveller. Our new global safety stamp is designed to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide."

Destinations have already begun to commit to the scheme, among them Turkey, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Mauritius, Ontario (Canada), Portugal, Saudi Arabia and the Mexican destinations of Baja California Sur and Yucatan.

Concerns remain, however, over how it will be policed because businesses and destinations simply have to share protocols with WTTC so the organisation can evaluate them. No inspections or validation processes take place.

For details visit wttc.org