WTTC UNVEILS PROTOCOLS FOR ATTRACTIONS, CAR HIRE AND SHORT-TERM RENTALS

WTTC has released a set of health and hygiene protocols which
 provide consistency to destinations and countries as well
as guidance to travel providers operating in the
post-Covid-19 world.   Photo: TTG Asia

WTTC has launched its third phase of safety protocols to aid the reopening of global attractions, car hire companies and short-term rentals, in a bid to rebuild consumer confidence, reduce risk and encourage safe travels.

WTTC said it held detailed discussions with key stakeholders and organisations to ensure maximum buy-in, alignment and practical implementation. The measures help to set clear expectations of what travellers can experience in the ‘new normal’ which offer safe environments as travel restrictions are eased.

Backed by UNWTO, the WTTC protocols also take into account WHO guidelines, and the WTTC Safe Travels stamp recognises destinations, countries, businesses and governments worldwide which have adopted them.

WTTC divided the new guidance into four pillars: 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 considered 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 touchpoints
• Sanitise strollers, electric buggies and wheelchairs between every use if applicable
• Make available hand sanitisers in high-traffic areas such as entry, key walkways, F&B 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 touchpoints
• 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 sanitisers 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 touchpoints

Short-Term Rentals
• Use of contactless technology to enable automation at check-in and payment where possible
• Minimise physical interaction when providing guests with keys, ideally in a contactless manner by offering self check-in and check-out, where possible
• Enhance sanitation, disinfection and deep cleaning practices as well as increasing their cleaning/disinfection frequency with a focus on high-frequency touchpoints
• Provide guests with physical distancing etiquette, including in elevators if relevant, through signage
• Make available hand sanitiser to guests at entrance of short-term rental

Source: http://www.ttgasia.com/2020/06/24/wttc-unveils-protocols-for-attractions-car-hire-and-short-term-rentals/

#safetyprotocols, #WTTC

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office 
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road
National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1
Mobile: +66 8555 44234, +66 8098 95853