(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor)
Madrid: The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) cries out loud against the enforcement of blanket bans on international travel, as evidenced in recent days.
The latest call comes in sync with the concerns raised by UNWTO members during the world tourism body's general assembly hosted in Spain this week.Countries from all global territories have expressed their solidarity with southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific regions and also seeking freedom of travel.
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 UNWTO general assembly, members states and partners, including voices from international organisations and across the private sector, echoed 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.
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.
Over recent months, such an approach has been shown to be the most effective way forward.
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