ACTA has joined forces with other global travel agency associations to call on government leaders around the world to lift all country- and region-specific travel bans.
Together, the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Association of South African Travel Agencies (ASATA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), are also calling on governments to provide financial resources to those industries and individuals most affected by their decisions.
The loss of economic activity in the travel industry has affected one in every ten jobs globally according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The Associations highlight that the implementation of new restrictions affects “untold millions” of employees in the travel and tourism industry, and places vulnerable businesses at risk.
Instead of travel bans, the Associations call on governments around the world to follow the “best available science when determining border measures, including testing and prohibitions.” In addition, they say that more border measures may not add further community protection against COVID-19.
Instead of restrictions, the group urges governments to focus on vaccine equity and prioritize the global distribution of vaccines while continuing to allow freedom of movement using measures such as masking, enhanced sanitation protocols, “reasonable” testing requirements, and vaccination credentials.
In response to the U.S. requiring negative results of a COVID test taken within 24 hours of arrival to enter the country, the associations said such a measure was “arduous in even the most advanced markets.”
“Restricting access to travel only perpetuates the economic impact and postpones global recovery in terms of travel and multiple other economic drivers around the globe,” the groups said.
The groups also highlighted that Canada has pledged additional support for some travel-reliant businesses through MAY 2022, and urges other global leaders to follow Canada’s example.
The groups called on governments to “take responsibility” for when economic recovery is stifled by travel restrictions by providing economic support for businesses and individuals affected by their policies.
“More needs to be done to ensure that travel-reliant businesses have access to immediate relief when government action is the direct cause of economic hardship.”
Other groups, such as IATA, have also argued against government travel restrictions in light of the Omicron variant.
“We can’t shut down everything when a new variant appears,” IATA’s Willie Walsh said.
