UNWTO and WHO to work together to combat COVID-19

The solidarity of the tourism sector and the individual tourists is a key factor in minimising the spread and impact of COVID-19, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have said.

UNWTO secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili has stated that the COVID-19 outbreak is first and foremost a public health issue. “UNWTO is following the lead of WHO, with whom we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship.”

Pololikashvili is in Geneva, leading a high level delegation to the WHO’s headquarters to further advance the two agencies’ coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

He added that the tourism value chain touches upon every part of society. This makes tourism uniquely placed to promote solidarity, collaboration and concrete action across borders and also ideally positioned to once again drive future recovery.

UNWTO will also communicate with other UN bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Maritime Organisation and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure that tourism’s response is coordinated and consistent.