The suggested protocols for the attractions industry were compiled on the basis of insights and frameworks developed by the Global Association for the Attraction Industry (IAAPA) to support the safe, healthy and responsible restart of attractions around the world. The objective is to ensure that protocols are in place across all relevant functions with an increased focus on health, safety and physical distancing standards which travellers will need and expect.

Within these protocols, the attractions industry refers to a wide variety of facilities and venues such as aquariums, amusement parks, family entertainment centres, museums, science centres, theme parks, water parks, zoos and other entertainment & cultural attractions. It also includes non-fixed location day-tour experiences such as hop on, hop off buses. Unlike mass gatherings, such as sports arenas and concerts, capacity can be managed and/or reduced to allow for appropriate physical distancing. What’s more exposure time is limited, and a large percentage of attraction attendance is made up of family members who live in the same home and thus do not need to be physically distanced from one another.

Note that these recommendations are subject to change and may be enhanced as new information about the virus becomes available. While not all these recommendations will apply every business in the attractions industry, the information is intended to provide guidance prior to re-opening. It is recommended that all attraction practices follow local and national legislation and the latest guidance from public health organisations including the WHO.

It is essential to note that the measures highlighted are based on higher risk contexts where sustained ongoing transmission is evident. As such, there will be a need to moderate the protocols, as they may not be necessary on low risk contexts. Measures should be limited in time and re-evaluated and monitored regularly. In effect, it will be critical to reduce the measures as the risk diminishes. What is more, when more effective, suitable and less disruptive and scientifically supported measures become available, they should be implemented at the earliest opportunity and defunct measures removed.

For the Travel & Tourism sector to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, visitors will need to feel assured of the safety of travel. In that context, it is important that visitors are clearly and simply advised of the new protocols implemented within their travel experience to ensure their safety.

For the purpose of alignment across industries within the Travel & Tourism sector, WTTC has divided the protocols in four pillars, namely:

1. Operational and Staff Preparedness

2. Ensuring a Safe Experience

3. Rebuilding Trust & Confidence

4. Implementing Enabling Policies