When will international tourism borders open again? Even as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are underway in the midst of questions on being a zone for spreading the COVID-19 virus, it appears that borders are opening, traveler confidence for international travel is rising and there is a return for mid to large scale MICE events with COVID precautions (testing, vaccines and COVID-19 travel insurance being offered to travellers). Yet the different vaccines with no common list of organized approved vaccines for destinations means that recovery is starting but at a much slower pace
A recent update from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) notes the lack of coordination around vaccine acceptance at international borders. One reason for this is the variance in vaccine efficiency levels although in the cases referred to, British travellers who had received the Indian Covishield batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine were denied entry into Malta even though the vaccine is chemically identical to the one made in the United Kingdom being circulated by different countries. Some countries recognize one vaccine and not the other, and this lack of coordination is slowing down the reopening of international tourism borders.
“WTTC releases vaccine guidelines as calls for a coordinated list of approved vaccines to reduce traveller uncertainty and boost international tourism”
Mutual vaccine recognition is required for international tourism to recover. The WTTC presents fundamental guidelines:
- Reduced protocols for vaccinated travellers. Global recognition for international travel for all vaccines deemed safe and effective by WHO and WHO-recognised SRAs
- A harmonized approach to border opening for international travel with clear communication channels for travellers
- Global adoption of digital health passes for vaccination status, COVID test results or immunity from previous infection which will work with existing border control systems to facilitate travel and reduce wait-times at travel terminals and hubs
- Implementation of health and safety standards at destinations.
It is essential that a coordinated list of approved vaccines per country (similar to visa requirements) is released and made publicly available for travellers, to quicken the recovery of regional and international tourism.