On August 19, Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism obtained the “Safe Travels” stamp, granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (W.T.T.C.).
Maribel Rodriguez, first vice-president of W.T.T.C., made the official presentation, noting that the “Safe Travels” stamp is awarded to destinations that respect hygiene and sanitation protocols in tourist establishments. “We designed this seal with the aim of contributing to the responsible and safe reopening of tourism,” she said. She also stressed that this tool will help restore the confidence of travelers in the context of the new normal in tourism, where the protection of the health of visitors and service providers is a priority. The authorities will have to carry out the necessary checks to comply with the protocols. To date, 80 countries have already received this stamp worldwide.
This completely free Safe Travels stamp was obtained after an analysis and review by the W.T.T.C. – lasting more than two months – the relevance and compliance of the biosafety protocols developed and implemented in Ecuador.
In this sense, the Minister of Tourism, Rosi Prado de Holguín, recalled that in addition to the 19 protocols, guidelines and biosecurity measures in force in the country, the decision of the national authorities to abolish compulsory administrative segregation was added. (AMP) for people entering the country with a negative PCR test: “This measure helps to protect the health and biosecurity standards of travelers so that they can continue their journey and enjoy the attractions available to Ecuador, by boosting – moreover – the economy of the tourism sector ”.
Gabriela Sommerfeld, a representative of the Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham), said the stamp brings security and confidence to tourists: “We have to understand that people globally are wary of travel, but this stamp helps us to overcome this uncertainty ”, recalling that it is endorsed by the most important international organization in the private tourism sector, which constitutes a“ boost for business and for the destination of Ecuador, which differs from respect protocols.
Carla Cárdenas, director of Quito Tourism, underlined that the industry has reinvented itself to meet the new needs generated by the current situation. She underlined the importance of the protocols developed in the country and recognized the efforts made to implement them, which today allows Ecuador to obtain the “Safe Travels” stamp which: “Recognizes us as a reliable destination to receive our visitors and make their trip unforgettable ”.
Raúl Delgado, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ecuador (AME), said this recognition is the result of a joint effort for reactivation, and thanked the WTTC for the recognition of the efforts in the country: “As local authorities, we will ensure that the protocols are respected”.
Minister Rosi Prado de Holguín also said the stamp is a letter of introduction to the world that will help the country reactivate itself, in continuous work between the public and private sectors; national and international entities; “We know it’s not an easy task, nor a quick one, but if we work together we will know how to move forward because we are all recovering tourism,” she concluded.
Source: Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador
