PR No.: 14056
The current Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak is believed to have begun in Guinea in December 2013. This outbreak now involves community transmission in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and recently an ill traveller from Liberia infected a small number of people in Nigeria with whom he had direct contact.
On 8 August 2014, WHO declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
In order to support the global efforts to contain the spread of the disease and provide a coordinated international response for the travel and tourism sector, the heads of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) decided to activate a Travel and Transport Task Force which will monitor the situation and provide timely information to the travel and tourism sector as well as to travellers.
The risk of transmission of Ebola virus disease during air travel is low. Unlike infections such as influenza or tuberculosis, Ebola is not spread by breathing air (and the airborne particles it contains) from an infected person. Transmission requires direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected living or dead persons or animals, all unlikely exposures for the average traveller. Travellers are, in any event, advised to avoid all such contacts and routinely practice careful hygiene, like hand washing.
The risk of getting infected on an aircraft is also small as sick persons usually feel so unwell that they cannot travel and infection requires direct contact with the body fluids of the infected person.
Most infections in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, are taking place in the community when family members or friends take care of someone who is ill or when funeral preparation and burial ceremonies do not follow strict infection prevention and control measures.
A second important place where transmission can occur is in clinics and other health care settings, when health care workers, patients, and other persons have unprotected contact with a person who is infected. In Nigeria, cases are related only to persons who had direct contact with a single traveller who was hospitalized upon arrival in Lagos.
It is important to note that a person who is infected is only able to spread the virus to others after the infected person has started to have symptoms. A person usually has no symptoms for two to 21 days (the “incubation period”). Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and in some cases, bleeding.
The risk of a traveller becoming infected with the Ebola virus during a visit to the affected countries and developing disease after returning is very low, even if the visit includes travel to areas in which cases have been reported.
If a person, including a traveller, stayed in the areas where Ebola cases have been recently reported, he/she should seek medical attention at the first sign of illness (fever, headache, achiness, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, red eyes, and in some cases, bleeding). Early treatment can improve prognosis.
Strengthened international cooperation is needed, and should support action to contain the virus, stop transmission to other countries and mitigate the effects in those affected.
Affected countries are requested to conduct exit screening of all persons at international airports, seaports and major land crossings, for unexplained febrile illness consistent with potential Ebola infection. Any person with an illness consistent with EVD should not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation. There should be no international travel of Ebola contacts or cases, unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation
Non-affected countries need to strengthen the capacity to detect and immediately contain new cases, while avoiding measures that will create unnecessary interference with international travel or trade.
WHO does not recommend any ban on international travel or trade, in accordance with advice from the WHO Ebola Emergency Committee.
Travel restrictions and active screening of passengers on arrival at sea ports, airports or ground crossings in non-affected countries that do not share borders with affected countries are not currently recommended by WHO.
Worldwide, countries should provide their citizens traveling to Ebola-affected countries with accurate and relevant information on the Ebola outbreak and measures to reduce the risk of exposure.
Useful links:
Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD):
Ebola Virus Disease is a virulent disease which is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people or by contact with contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in some cases, bleeding.
WHO advice to travellers:
WHO does not recommend a general ban on international travel and trade; restrictions regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts should be implemented.
Anyone who has stayed in areas where cases were recently reported should be aware of the symptoms of infection and seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.
For further information, please visit: http://www.who.int/entity/csr/disease/ebola/en/index.html
Influenza:
Following the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, UNWTO compiled experiences and challenges the travel and tourism sector has made and faced in a report which was published as part of the Toward a Safer World initiative, led by the Word Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations System Influenza Coordination (UNSIC). To read the UNWTO report ¨Towards a Safer World: The Travel, Tourism and Aviation Sector¨, please click here.
Influenza A (H7N9):
Influenza A (H7N9) is considered an influenza virus that normally circulates among birds. There are rare cases where the disease has passed to humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.
There is no present threat to tourists and WHO does not recommend any travel restriction. Although both the source of infection and the mode of transmission are uncertain, it is prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection.
For further information, please click here for the WHO Frequently Asked Questions on Influenza A(H7N9).
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009:
The H1N1 pandemic was characterized by the emergence of a new influenza virus to which many people had no pre-existing immunity. It caused unusual and extensive outbreaks of disease in the summer months in many countries and very high levels of disease in winter months. It was also characterized by an almost complete dominance of the pandemic virus over other seasonal influenza viruses, and by unusual clinical patterns where the most severe cases occurred most often in younger age groups.
The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus has become a seasonal virus, continuing to circulate with other seasonal viruses since August 2010 when WHO declared the end of the (H1N1) 2009 pandemic.
Avian Influenza/H5N1:
Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called “low pathogenic” form commonly causes only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.
For further information, please refer to the following links:
The following links provide a first overview of guidelines and other similar documents related to the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Avian Influenza:
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO):
Documents Prepared by the Travel and Tourism Sector:
The following guidelines have been used during the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and are a good example of how the industry requires practical and feasible guidance adjusted to the concrete challenges they are facing. Please indicate other documents of relevance to rcm@unwto.org. All documents reflect the views of their respective authors and not necessarily the views of UNWTO.
Generic Links for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises:
The following links provide further access to relevant guidelines:
Cleaning and Hygiene Procedures:
Entry Points for Pandemic H1N1:
Recommendations:
Additional information can also be obtained on the WHO's International Travel and Health book, Chapter 9 (English - French).
PR No.: PR 14053
UNWTO is deeply saddened by the news of the crash of Air Algerie flight AH 5017. On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of those onboard.
"It was with great sorrow that we learned about this tragic crash and we express our sincerest solidarity with the passengers’ families and friends at this difficult time”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218
PR No.: PR 14051
During an official visit to Ethiopia, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, met with President Mulatu Teshome, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, and Minister of Culture & Tourism, Amin Abdulkadir, to address the advancement of tourism in Ethiopia and the key role of the sector in the country’s socio-economic development. (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, 13-18 July 2014).
The Government of Ethiopia is currently implementing a number of strategic measures to further develop the country’s tourism sector, including investment in infrastructure and capacity building on destination management and product development, through the recently established Tourism Transformation Council.
These measures reflect how tourism is firmly established among the development drivers of the country, said President Mulatu in a meeting with Mr. Rifai, where he expressed his full support to the tourism sector, and the commitment of the Ethiopian government to make sustainability a priority in future tourism development.
“Ethiopia is endowed with rich historical relics which, combined with the hospitality of our people, make it viable for tourism. The government has lined up abled professionals to work within the industry and there is the right political will in place to contribute towards tourism”, said President Mulatu.
Mr. Rifai commended Ethiopia for the political support awarded to the tourism sector and in particular for integrating tourism as part of its development policy. “Tourism is a key tool to lift people out of poverty and create new opportunities”, he said. “The steps being taken by Ethiopia, namely enhancing the protection and conservation of tourist attractions, expanding the tourism infrastructure, establishing a tourism marketing organization and a national tourism council as well as increasing education and training institutions in the field of tourism, will surely make tourism a pillar of the development of Ethiopia”, he added.
During his official visit, Mr. Rifai also met with Prime Minister Desalegn, who, on the occasion of The High Level Seminar on Tourism Industry, was presented the UNWTO/WTTC Open Letter on Travel and Tourism, calling on Heads of States and Government to “promote the value of the tourism sector in advancing sustainable tourism development”.
“The Tourism Transformation Council aims to build on Ethiopia’s natural, historical and cultural resources to strengthen the tourism sector, identify pressing value-chain gaps and intervening to allay these gaps based on tangible and scientific studies jointly with the private sector and the international tourism community. Together, we will work hand in hand to make tourism one of the leading economic sectors of our country and Ethiopia a top destination in Africa”, said Mr. Desalegn.
UNWTO and Ethiopia have agreed to reinforce their collaboration in the areas of tourism statistics, sustainable tourism development, public-private partnerships and marketing strategies, as defined in an agreement signed by Mr. Rifai and the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Ethiopia, Mr. Amin Abdulkadir.
Note to editors:
Africa has been one of the fastest growing tourism regions of the last decade, totaling 56 million international tourist arrivals last year up from 26 million in 2000. UNWTO forecasts this number to reach 134 million by 2030.
In 2013, tourism generated US$ 34 billion in exports in Africa (7% of all exports in the region) up from US$ 10 billion in 2000.
Useful links:
Photo album: Official visit by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai to Ethiopia
UNWTO Regional Programme for Africa
Download and share: Tourism – Driving Trade, Fostering Development and Connecting People
Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218
During an official visit to Ethiopia, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, met with President Mulatu Teshome, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen, and Minister of Culture & Tourism, Amin Abdulkadir, to address the advancement of tourism in Ethiopia and the key role of the sector in the country’s socio-economic development. (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13-18 July 2014). Read more
A sincere thank you all of you who participated in the 56th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and the Regional Seminar on Tourism and Air Connectivity in Africa held in Angola. A very special thank you to our host, Angola, for the warm hospitality and the commitment in making this event a sucecess decade.
OFFICIAL COURTESY VISIT OF DR. ISATOU NJIE-SAIDY, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE GAMBIA TO UNWTO HEADQUARTERS
Dr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General, had the pleasure of welcoming Her Excellency Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia and her delegation at the UNWTO headquarters on 9 June 2014.
Her Excellency Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy was paying a courtesy call to the UNWTO Secretary-General whilst on an official visit in Spain. During their meeting, her Excellency stressed on the safety and security aspect of her country, its people, its culture and the flora and fauna which are all the unique selling points of The Gambia. She reaffirmed that ´tourism has put The Gambia on the map´ and that it is now important to diversify their tourism industry in order to ensure the continual growth and wealth for the people of The Gambia. As 75% of women are farmers in the Gambia, the gender issue is at stake. Mainstreaming women and youth within the tourism industry is an area that the Federation of The Gambian women that was set up in 2011 is working towards in order to improve the livelihoods of the local population mostly women. They have identified key priority needs areas that require support and assistance to provide the framework especially for the women working in The Bandula´s (tourism markets) within the tourism and agricultural sector in The Gambia. The need for specialised training and capacity-building for these women as well as female farmers is crucial and are primarily needed in areas of managing a business, producing qualitative and diversified products and the packaging and marketing of these products.
Having identified these key priority areas for support, the UNWTO Secretary-General has keenly pledged the assistance of UNWTO to support The Gambia with their request.
Dear Members, The Practical Guide to Destination Management is now available in French on the UNWTO E-Library webpage: http://www.e-unwto.org/content/v00218. The English version remains accessible at http://www.e-unwto.org/content/w0vpr4. Do not hesitate to visit the E-Library website and get access to all UNWTO publications at www.e-unwto.org. |