UNWTO against general travel restrictions
UNWTO against general travel restrictions
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) speaks out against the imposition of blanket travel restrictions. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Freedom of international travel
Countries from all regions of the world have expressed solidarity for this imposition and the continued freedom of international travel.
Southern African states are among the countries subject to this travel ban.
Pour Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, he condemns the travel bans imposed on his country and its neighbors due to the Omicron variant.
He said to himself “deeply disappointed” by this measure, which he describes as unjustified, and calls for the bans to be lifted urgently.
The United Kingdom, l’European Union and the United States are among the countries that have also imposed travel bans.
UNWTO takes note of recent statements by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Statements regarding the inequity and inefficiency of widespread travel to southern African countries.
Ineffective and discriminatory restrictions
In view of recent developments, UNWTO once again reminded countries that imposing blanket travel restrictions is discriminatory, ineffective and contrary to WHO recommendations.
During the UNWTO General Assembly, Member States and partners, including voices from international organizations and the private sector, echoed WHO advice that travel restrictions should only be introduced as a last resort, adapting to the evolving situation.
In addition, it was emphasized that if restrictions are introduced, they must be proportionate, transparent and scientifically based. They should also only be introduced after a full assessment of what stopping international travel would mean for the most vulnerable. Particularly developing countries and people whose economies and livelihoods depend on tourism.
Coordination and not discrimination
UNWTO called for coordinated, evidence-based approaches. This since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to find a balance between public health concerns and maintaining the purpose of tourism intact..
Over the past few months, such an approach has proven to be the most effective way to move forward.
UNWTO notes that travel and vaccination levels are closely linked, as shown by the emergence of new variants favored by low levels of vaccination.
As such, l’UNWTO calls on all countries to act in solidarity to guarantee equitable access to vaccines for all, recognize all WHO-approved vaccines for international travel and facilitate access to patents for local vaccine production.
At Coco Lodge Majunga, we continue to hope that the world will one day return to normal. One day, everyone will be able to travel in complete freedom.
We are waiting for you in Majunga – Madagascar !
By #CocoLodgeMajunga
We are both :
- One hôtel★★★ with 18 spacious comfortable rooms,
- One gourmet restaurant with a beautiful wine cellar, whiskies, rums and champagnes with a capacity of 60 Covered, offering Malagasy cuisine, French, Lebanese, pizzas and seafood specialties,
- Un bar piscine with cocktails, "tsakitsaky", pancakes and waffles available at all hours,
- One organizer of events and conferences with 3 meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 90 people. In addition, we can receive themed lunch/dinner, engagement, wedding, anniversary, … Even a bachelor/bachelorette party, or a marriage proposal, …
- A travel and tourism services company (License C),
- One tour operator (B license),
- A 4×4 rental company and quads (all geo-located with valid liability insurance) and with graduate drivers guide. We can insure your transfers in all Madagascar. For example from Antananarivo airport to Majunga, from Nosy Be to Majunga, even between Antsiranana and Majunga.