INTERNATIONAL. The UN World Tourism Organization has hit out at the widespread restrictions on travel imposed by governments in recent days as a result of the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
This call echoes concerns raised by UNWTO members during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly (30 November–3 December). Countries from all regions expressed their solidarity with Southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be upheld.
UNWTO said it takes note of the recent declarations of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) “regarding the unfairness and ineffectiveness of blanket travel in respect to the countries of Southern Africa”.
Restrictions “ineffective and discriminatory”
UNWTO reminded countries that the imposition of “blanket restrictions” on travel is “discriminatory, ineffective and contrary to WHO recommendations”. It said that such restrictions may also stigmatise countries or whole regions.
During the UNWTO General Assembly, member states and partners echoed WHO’s advice that travel restrictions should only be imposed as a last resort in response to changing circumstances. It was stressed that if restrictions are introduced, they must be proportionate, transparent and scientifically based. They must also only be introduced with a full appreciation of what halting international travel would mean for the most vulnerable, including those developing countries and individuals who depend on tourism for their economies and livelihoods.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNWTO has called for coordinated and evidence-based approaches to balancing public health concerns with keeping the lifeline of tourism intact.
UNWTO noted that travel and vaccination levels are closely connected, as the emergence of new variants facilitated by low levels of vaccination has shown. UNWTO called on all countries to act in solidarity to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, to recognise all WHO approved vaccines for the purpose of international travel and to facilitate access to patents for local production of vaccines.
