Claiming that “unfair and ineffective” blanket travel bans are nothing short of discrimination, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is calling for the immediate lifting of measures imposed on specific countries and for “freedom of international travel” to be upheld.

The plea was quickly echoed yesterday by IATA, whose director general Willie Walsh stated, “Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods… After nearly two years with COVID-19 we know a lot about the virus and the inability of travel restrictions to control its spread. But the discovery of the Omicron variant (in southern Africa) induced instant amnesia on governments which implemented knee-jerk restrictions in complete contravention of advice from the World Health Organisation – the global expert.”

The UNWTO says its call against the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel reflects the concerns raised by UNWTO Members during the recent 24th UNWTO General Assembly (Nov. 30-Dec. 03) where countries from all global regions expressed their solidarity with southern African states and echoes recent declarations of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Director General of the WHO.

“In light of recent developments, UNWTO has once again reminded countries that the imposition of blanket restrictions on travel is discriminatory, ineffective, and contrary to WHO recommendations. Blanket restrictions may also stigmatize countries or whole regions,” says the organization.

It adds, “During the UNWTO General Assembly, Members States and partners, including voices from international organizations and across the private sector, echoed WHO’s advice that travel restrictions should only be imposed as a very last resort in response to changing circumstances.

“Furthermore, 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.”

Coordination not discrimination

The UNWTO says that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has called for coordinated and evidence-based approaches to balancing public health concerns with keeping the lifeline of tourism intact, and adds, “over recent months, such an approach has been shown to be the most effective way forward.”

Noting that travel and vaccination levels are closely connected – “as the emergence of new variants facilitated by low levels of vaccination has shown” the

UNWTO says it is calling on all countries to “act in solidarity to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, to recognize all WHO approved vaccines for the purpose of international travel, and to facilitate access to patents for local production of vaccines.”