Photo © Courtesy of Destination Ontario
In collaboration with The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the World Travel & Tourism Council has created a self-certified Safe Travel Stamp.
One of the greatest joys of travel is the excitement and anticipation before the journey begins. As the world slowly recovers from COVID-19, travellers worldwide are beginning to plan what their return to travel will look like.
Recognized as the voice of tourism, The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) works to take on pressing policy issues that impact Ontario’s travel industry.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario works with tourism businesses and operators and destination marketing organizations to provide policy recommendations to ensure that Ontario’s government understands what the tourism industry needs to thrive.
Although borders are not yet open, it’s time to prepare, and TIAO is making it easier to see and plan for what we can expect when we return to travel.
That’s why, in collaboration with The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, the World Travel & Tourism Council has created a self-certified Safe Travel Stamp.
The specially-designed stamp will allow travellers to recognize governments and businesses worldwide, across the hospitality and tourism sector, that have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols.
As the appetite for travel grows, businesses all over the world are eagerly preparing for a return to normalcy. This stamp will give consumers the confidence of knowing that they’re travelling to somewhere that is up-to-date with health and safety standards as they change.
Companies like hotels, restaurants, short-term rentals, attractions, car rentals and other forms of transportation that implement the health and hygiene protocols outlined by WTTC will be able to use the stamp to ensure visitors that they are travelling safely. Destinations, festivals, and convention centers can also apply for the stamp, so long as approved health and hygiene protocols are accredited.
TIAO has awarded over 1200 stamps to tourism operators, and over 200 countries are participating in the Safe Travel Stamp program globally, with many more in the pipeline.
Businesses and destinations can apply for the Safe Travels Stamp by downloading and filling out the online application form, found at the TIAO website, and emailing the completed form to info@tiaontario.ca.
In order to apply for the Safe Travels Stamp, your business must currently be open and operating, OR you must be a seasonal business that was open and operating at one point during COVID-19.
There is no fee associated with applying for the Safe Travels Stamp, and businesses who sign up are eligible for an award, voted on by travellers and the public on social media. Voting will begin after Labour Day weekend, and the award will be presented at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence in October.
As COVID-19 vaccines roll out, many feel hopeful about the possibility of travelling soon, whether domestically or overseas. Face masks will undoubtedly remain an important safety protocol in 2021 and beyond, as will hygiene practices like frequent sanitization and leaving space between plane seats, restaurant tables, and the like.
After so many months of missed vacations and events, limited mobility, and stay-at-home orders, many of us are anxious to experience the freedom and exhilaration that comes with travel.
However, more important than a date that declares it safe to travel again is your comfort as a traveller. TIAO aims to provide travellers with the peace of mind and comfort needed to know that they are participating in ‘Safe Travels.’
Connect with TIAO on their social media with #safetravelsstamp (below):
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