UNWTO and Iata develop online tracker for government COVID measures

Destination Tracker launched in preparation for the restart of international travel

The UNWTO and Iata have created a free online Destination Tracker tool for governments to provide information on travel requirements and Covid-19 measures in destinations.

The tracker has been launched “in preparation for the restart of international travel” and is designed “to boost confidence and accelerate recovery of the tourism sector when borders reopen”.

It will be available on both the UNWTO and Iata websites and will feature information including:

• Covid-19 indicators including infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination roll out by destination/country
• Air travel regulations, including test and quarantine requirements, provided by Iata’s Timatic solution
• Destination measures, including general health and safety requirements such as use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organisations

The organisations said: “The situation for travellers is complex with UNWTO data showing that one in three destinations remains closed to tourists. Moreover, restrictions and in-country measures are continuously being revised.

“Governments can use the Destination Tracker to post Covid-19 travel information so that potential travellers will know what to expect at their destination. When fully populated with updated destination information, travel stakeholders including Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and travel agencies will be able to obtain the latest destination information, enabling travellers to make informed decisions when borders reopen and travel resumes.”

UNWTO secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO is pleased to reinforce its partnership with Iata, a UNWTO affiliate member, to provide this important tool. Travellers and companies will be able to check requirements in place for air travel, as well as what measures will be in place at the visited destination.

“We trust this tool is also critical for governments to track existing travel restrictions and support the safe restart of our sector.”

Willie Walsh, Iata director general, added: “It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost as Covid-19 measures saw borders close. When governments have the confidence to re-open borders people will be eager to travel. And they will need accurate information to guide them.

“With the support of national tourism organisations, the UNWTO-Iata Destination Tracker will help travellers and travel companies obtain the latest information for travel planning.”