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In preparation for the restart of international travel, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have announced the introduction of a free online tool for governments to provide information on COVID-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination, with the tracker available through the websites of both bodies.

The result of both organizations joining efforts to boost confidence and accelerate recovery of the tourism sector when borders reopen, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker provides general health and safety requirements such as the use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organizations.

With UNWTO data showing that one in three destinations remains closed to tourists and with restrictions and in-country measures continuously being revised, the Destination Tracker will help potential travellers know what to expect at their destination.

Introducing the Destination Tracker, UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili stated “travellers and companies will be able to check requirements in place for air travel, as well as what measures will be in place at the visited destination.

“The tool is also critical for governments to track existing travel restrictions and support the safe restart of our sector.”

When fully populated with updated destination information, travel stakeholders, including destination management organizations and travel agencies, travellers will be able to obtain the latest destination information, enabling travellers to make informed decisions when borders reopen and travel resumes.

Lower image shows a screenshot of the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker.

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