The Philippines gets ‘Safe Travels’ stamp of approval from the World Tourism Council
By Margo Hannah De Guzman Quadra
The Philippines has obtained the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), granting approval of the country as a trusted global destination that follows strict health and hygiene protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country is the 100th destination to be awarded the specialized safety stamp by the travel body composed of leaders from the international tourism sector.
“We are delighted to see our innovative initiative is proving such a great success and is being used by destinations from all corners of the globe,” Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said in a press release on September 18, 2020, celebrating the milestone.
The special stamp is designed to help tourists recognize WTTC destinations offering safe travels.
WTTC released fresh guidelines to ensure travelers’ welfare in a bid to boost confidence in tourism as the world gradually adjusts to the new normal. Their stamp of approval marks eligible establishments such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions, and transportation fit to serve customers according to a world-class standard.
“The 100 destinations which now proudly use the stamp are working together to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide. We welcome the Philippines, an incredible destination and home to some of the world’s most beautiful islands, as our 100th destination, as well as other popular destinations around the globe such as Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, and Kenya,” Guevara remarked.
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism received notice of the Safe Travels stamp and announced it on September 21, 2020, as it celebrated the recognition and vowed to keep up its sustainability and safety programs aimed to revive the tourism industry.
“The Department has also intensified the accreditation of establishments, continuing thorough inspection and assessment, to ensure that only those accredited with the Department of Tourism, and issued with a Certificate of Authority to Operate, are allowed to open and receive guests,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
As a user of the stamp, the DOT will now assume the responsibilities of a SafeTravels ambassador campaigning for the full implementation of WTTC’s released health and safety protocols.
“The DOT is one with the global tourism industry in prioritizing health and safety of travelers. In support of this shared advocacy, we will constantly improve our protocols, to make sure that our stakeholders, communities, and workers in the Philippines that rely on tourism can resume their livelihood safely once travel restrictions are eased,” Puyat continued.
The DOT has released its own ‘new normal’ health protocols for Philippine establishments as the economy gradually reopens.
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