With all the uncertainty when it comes to travel over the last year, the WTCC created the Safe Travels Stamp in May 2020 to help travelers recognize destinations and businesses around the world that have adopted the global standardized health and hygiene protocols. This stamp is recognized worldwide, and has helped restart the travel and tourism industry that has been left crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethiopia is the latest country to receive the stamp.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism started taking major steps last year to earn the stamp. These steps will ensure the safety of not only travelers, but for residents, workers and businesses in the tourism sector.
The Safe Travels protocols help travelers get consistency and guidance in countries that have received the stamp. They include items pertaining to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing. The protocols take into consideration the guidelines issues by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also recognizes the stamp as a positive step forward.
Ethiopia is joined by 200 other popular holiday destinations around the world, including Kenya, South Africa, Portugal and Argentina. The stamp can be seen in eligible businesses such as hotels, restaurants, airlines, tour operators, restaurants, outdoor shopping, transportation, and airports, where the required health and hygiene protocols have been implemented.