First ITB Berlin Travel & Tourism Declaration published: CEOs of the global travel industry are calling for vaccination and testing capacities to be expanded in order to quickly enable safe travel again in times of the pandemic and appeal to political support for more sustainability, equal opportunities and digital services.
Never before have political decisions had such a big impact on travel as in the corona pandemic. The leading trade fair for the global tourism industry has for the first time in the "ITB Berlin Travel and Tourism Declaration" (PDF, 2.5 MB) compactly summarized.
In it, the trade fair gives the industry a powerful voice and lets those responsible from many tourism sectors have their say. Your answers, demands and ideas, which are presented in an online brochure and in a video, provide urgently needed orientation and impulses for political decision-makers to deal with the crisis and the future.
From airlines, tour operators, hotels and cruises to technology providers and online travel agencies / OTAs to tourism associations: the corona pandemic has the entire service chain of the global travel industry firmly under control.
Accordingly, the "ITB Berlin Travel and Tourism Declaration" depicts a cross-section of the industry and impressively shows the influence and relevance of this industry. Not only are concrete measures to be taken to enable travel in times of the pandemic, but also appeals for more sustainability, equal opportunities and digital services.
Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), is calling for the introduction of an internationally recognized digital vaccination card and uniform test procedures to enable safe travel again as soon as possible. Mark S. Hoplamazian, President & CEO Hyatt, sees vaccinations, testing and contact follow-up as key.
Security is also a top priority for Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. He advocates expanding vaccinations against the SarsCoV2 virus as soon as possible. In addition to an internationally recognized digital vaccination certificate, the best possible international mobility protocols can help resume international travel, according to Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC. As they are among the safest types of accommodation, Patrick Andrae urges
Focus on sustainability
The entire industry has undoubtedly experienced a turning point as a result of the pandemic. In order to be prepared for future challenges, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO Celebrity Cruises, calls for better preparation for future crises: "The future must look different."
For Ed Bastian, Delta CEO, environmental protection plays an essential role: “One of the most pressing issues that we all face is sustainability.” The measures that are being discussed for aviation should therefore create incentives to invest in a sustainable future. Stephanie M. Jones, founder and CEO of National Blacks, part of the Travel & Tourism Collaborative, advocates more diversity, inclusion and fair opportunities in tourism and sees more opportunities for growth and sustainability.
It becomes clear from the various statements of the industry leaders: With comprehensive safety measures, test options and thanks to the progressive vaccination success, the urgently required restart in tourism can succeed. Politicians are now called upon to open up perspectives for the industry as quickly as possible.
