Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
THE United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has warned against introduction of blanket restrictions on travel saying such a trend would stigmatise affected countries or regions thereby negatively affecting economies.
This follows recent widespread backlash after Britain and some Western states renewed travel restrictions targeting Southern African states, including Zimbawe, citing the latest outbreak of the Omicron Covid-19 variant. The countries have since been removed from the red travel list.
The global community has also expressed solidarity with Southern Africa, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be upheld.
“The UNWTO takes note of the recent declarations of the United Nations Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) and the Director General of the World Health Organisation (Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus) regarding the unfairness and ineffectiveness of blanket travel restrictions in respect to the countries of Southern Africa” said UNWTO in a latest statement.
“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 stigmatise countries or whole regions.”
During the recent UNWTO general assembly, member states and partners, including voices from international organisations and across the private sector, echoed World Health Organisation (WHO) 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,” said the global tourism body.
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. –@SikhulekelaniM1
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