London, UK | "The global Travel & Tourism industry welcomes the news that, despite the move to phase 6 pandemic status of the A(H1N1) influenza virus, the UN Secretary-General and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both recommended against restrictions on travel and border closures," Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said yesterday.

In a statement to the press on 11 June 2009, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, stressed: "WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures."

On the same day UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, stated that: "We must guard against rash and discriminatory action, such as travel bans or trade restrictions".

The move to phase 6 is based on the geographic spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus and is not related to its severity. The current overall assessment of the severity of the virus remains moderate.

WHO pointed out that limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the disease, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.

In order to protect themselves and others under the current situation, individual travellers are nevertheless cautioned to act in a responsible manner towards themselves, towards those around them, and in the host communities of their destinations. They should familiarise themselves with the simple prevention practices that apply in daily life, and while travelling, such as hand-washing and normal cough etiquette. People who are ill should delay travel plans. Returning travellers who show influenza symptoms should contact their health care provider.

Travellers are encouraged to stay informed. They should check regularly with www.SOS.travel and other reliable resources for the latest updates and information issued by health and travel professionals to monitor any developments.

Through its Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN), the worldwide travel community is working closely with WHO and sharing views on a regular basis. This ensures that the special situation of travellers is taken fully into account by WHO and that the industry is able to provide the best and most accurate advice to travellers.

TERN is a coalition of leading associations representing key sectors of worldwide tourism. It was launched in 2006 as a response mechanism for the potential evolution of the H5N1 Avian and Human Influenza to a pandemic form. It has since been broadened to address other natural and man-made crisis issues. This 'network of networks' is structured to facilitate collaboration and co-operation among decision-makers and key stakeholders in tourism in the event of unforeseen and unpredictable events with potentially significant impact on tourism and the world community.

The institutions currently collaborating to address, and deal with, the challenges of the influenza A(H1N1) are:
  • AAPA: Association of Asia and Pacific Airlines
  • ACI: Airport Council International
  • AEA: Association of European Airlines
  • AHLA: American Hotel and Lodging Association
  • ALTA: Asociación Latinoamericana de Transporte Aéreo
  • ASTA: American Society of Travel Agents
  • ATTA: African Travel and Tourism Association
  • CHTA: Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
  • CLIA: Cruise lines International Association
  • CTO: Caribbean Tourism Organization
  • ETC: European Travel Commission
  • FIA: Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
  • IAAPA: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
  • IFTO: International Federation of Tour Operators
  • IH&RA: International Hotel and Restaurant Association
  • IATA: International Air Transport Association
  • ISF: International Shipping Federation
  • MPI: Meeting Professionals International
  • NTA: National Tour Association
  • PATA: Pacific Asia Travel Association
  • TOI: Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development
  • UFTAA: United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations
  • UNWTO: World Tourism Organization
  • UST: US Travel
  • WTTC: World Travel and Tourism Council
  • WYSETC: World Youth Student and Educational Travel Confederation