WTTC Debuts Protocols For Attractions, Car Hire And Short-Term Rentals

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled its third phase of measures designed to rebuild global consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage the return of “Safe Travels.” The latest protocols for the global travel and tourism sector focus on measures to assist in the reopening of attractions, drive business to car hire companies and enable short-term rentals to begin welcoming guest.

WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, says it held detailed discussions with key stakeholders and organizations to ensure maximum buy-in, alignment and practical implementation. The measures help to set clear expectations of what travelers can experience in the “new normal,” which offer safe environments as travel restrictions are eased.

Backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and taking into account guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the WTTC "Safe Travels" stamp recognizes those destinations, countries, businesses and governments worldwide which have adopted them. The measures increase the focus on health, safety and physical distancing standards for venues such as amusement parks, aquariums, family entertainment centers, museums, science centers, water parks, zoos and other entertainment and cultural attractions.

WTTC divided the new guidance into four pillars including operational and staff preparedness; delivering a safe experience; rebuilding trust and confidence; and implementing enabling policies.

Measures include:

Attractions

• Encourage guests to buy advanced tickets online if possible and consider timed entries and smaller groups
• Identify realistic capacities for attractions based on queue length, waiting areas, pre-shows and vehicle capacity and adjust accordingly to allow for physical distancing
• Use of virtual queue systems, contactless touchpoints and payment where possible
• Personal protection equipment (PPE) available for all customer-facing staff
• Enhanced cleaning at high-frequency touch points
• Sanitize strollers, electric buggies and wheelchairs between every use, if applicable
• Make available hand sanitizers in high-traffic areas such as entry, key walkways, food and beverage locations, merchandise shops and exits
• Consider increasing the number of performances and an end-of-show announcement to encourage guests to take their time exiting 
• For water parks, evaluate closing or removing hands-on interactive features within play structures if they aren’t covered in treated pool water
• Encourage guests to reduce the number of personal items they bring into the venue

Car Rental

• Pre-arrival health declaration via email, if required and in accordance with GDPR
• Enhance cleaning to all offices, including check-in, counters, desktops, washrooms and any high-frequency touch points
• Encourage use of curb side pick-up and drop off; consider moving to a fully digital process, including payments and limit physical interaction with staff
• Health/temperature checks, if recommended by legislation, and sanitation stations for customers through hand sanitizers in high-traffic areas
• Limit the number of people allowed per vehicle collection, as well as decreasing the number of people allowed in the car rental establishment at any one time
• All cars to be cleaned with a focus on high-frequency touch points such as keys, steering wheels, steering column, gear stick, seats, seat pockets, seat belts, door handles and more

Short-Term Rentals