Published on 28-Apr-09

April 28, 2009 --- The impact on the tourism sector is closely monitored by UNWTO. At this stage, the major challenge is to avoid travel restrictions based on inaccurate information and perception. It is important to highlight the fact that WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions.

UNWTO working on TERN

April 28, 2009 -- The impact on the tourism sector is closely monitored by UNWTO. At this stage, the major challenge is to avoid travel restrictions based on inaccurate information and perception. It is important to highlight the fact that WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions.

Under the current circumstances it is essential for travelers to exercise fundamental precautions by high levels of personal hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and for people showing symptoms of influenza before, during or after a trip to seek medical attention. Such measures have proven to be most effective.

The extensive preparedness work undertaken over the last years by WHO, UNWTO and UNSIC will help limit the impacts on the travel and tourism industry. UNWTO is working in the framework of the UN system to:

Establish a cross industry information and messaging system – TERN, the Tourism Emergency Response Network.
Encourage tourism integration into national and regional emergency preparedness plans.
Raise preparedness through regional and national simulation exercises.
Establish www.sos.travel as an emergency response portal to serve as a link for the entire tourism sector, destinations and ultimately consumers or their families in extreme emergencies.

Risk & Crisis Management: Dirk Glaesser
rcm@UNWTO.org

Assistant Secretary-General & Spokesperson: Geoffrey Lipman
Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
T: +34 91-567-8178 / +34 91-567-8100 / F: +34 91-567-8218
comm@UNWTO.org - www.UNWTO.org