WTTC calls out ‘discriminatory’ mandatory vaccination for international travel

Thursday, 11 Jan, 2021 0

The World Travel and Tourism Council singled out Qantas for a ‘discriminatory’ requirement for a Covid-19 vaccination for international travel.

Although not official policy yet, Qantas chief Alan Joyce has said a Covid jab would likely be a requirement for all international travellers.

The WTTC has taken issue with that.

"We should never require the vaccination to get a job or to travel," said WTTC Chief Executive Gloria Guevara, when addressing the Reuters Next conference.

"I totally disagree with the approach from Qantas. If you require the vaccination before travel, that takes us to discrimination," Guevara added.

Some businesses within travel and others with public-facing roles have also suggested vaccines could be required.

A majority of the online panel audience did not support Guevara’s comments.

Most were in favour of vaccinations for travel.

Panel guest AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes also expects mandatory vaccinations for travel as there is ‘a lack of trust’ over PCR testing standards.

He also said many Asian countries will also likely require vaccinations.

Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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