Getting to know all vaccines will revitalize international travel
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the travel and tourism sector severely across the world, and now another challenge has been added: Some countries refuse to recognize some vaccines against COVID-19, delaying the recovery of 72 million jobs and adding more to the $4.5 trillion lost during 2020, according to estimates by the World Travel and Tourism Council. (WTTC).
“Some countries do not recognize some vaccines, however, there are no bad vaccines, they are all good because they facilitate mobility and tourism has been the most affected because without mobility there is no movement of the international economy and jobs are lost. We want there to be mutual recognition of vaccines, thus restoring millions of jobs and above all revitalizing international travelMaribel Rodriguez, Vice President and CEO, explained WTTC exclusively for Forbes Mexico.
The European Union (EU) currently allows entry to foreigners who have received previously approved Covid-19 vaccines European Medicines Agency (EMA): Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZenecaIn the latter, an exception occurs because AstraZeneca (Coffeeshield) manufactured in India has not yet been recognized, raising concerns about revitalizing international mobility.
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“What made the situation even more complicated was the lack of approval of vaccines, even the same vaccine applied in two different countries. For example, the British who were vaccinated with AstraZeneca because it is the same vaccine that is produced in India and yet it is not acceptable. This is an obstacle for us not only to increase the number of tourists but also to increase the staff. from the sectorRouting has been added.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic The travel and tourism sector globally moved 10.4% of GDP and was a major driver of employment, which has been discontinued due to a lack of knowledge about vaccines and the maintenance of protocols such as PCR testing and quarantine of people who have already been vaccinated.
“A series of requirements such as quarantine, should be abolished if a person is vaccinated and these protocols continue to be followed It will not injure the tourist and this means an additional costSo it is important that this be taken into account so that I can travel again,” he added.
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WTTC Vice President and CEO commented on the need to strengthen four components to enhance mobility: Increase global vaccination, standardize digital vaccination cards (Like the digital green lane applied in the European Union), continuing safe travel protocols as well as promoting public and private cooperation.
“I would encourage Latin America and Central America to pay attention to what was happening so that the mistakes made by Europe are not repeated. And that it applies these digital protocols and permits in the region so that it is ready now in the summer and has the opportunity to compete.”
Although Rodríguez realizes that one of the strongest trends in Domestic tourism has been boosted in countries such as the UK, Brazil, Argentina and Mexicoكسي This discourages the re-establishment of international travel which is a major economic leakage.
“We understand that domestic tourism helps and this is very good to prevent the loss of millions of dollars every day but We have to think more long term Because many companies depend on international tourism.”
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With the emergence of the delta variant of Covid-19 and its rapid spread, the new international tourist needs confidence and certainty when entering other countriesTo know that your vaccine will be accepted and to ensure proper hygiene protocols.
“Now more than ever you have to look beyond politics and focus on how important it is. Tourism as a driver of the economy and a generator of job opportunitiesWTTC Vice President and CEO concluded.
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