Colombia will become the world’s first country to implement a biosecurity safety stamp for tourism in line with the World Tourism Organization (WTO). We look at what this means for the travel industry in Colombia. By Simon Willis BIOSECURITY | 5-MINUTE READ While some parts of the world are tentatively opening up borders to salvage the tourism industry hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, Colombia is pioneering a new biosecurity stamp, aimed at giving local companies the knowledge and skills to implement protocols to create a safe environment for travel. The project also aims to give people the confidence to travel Colombia, knowing that their visit has been put through strict biosecurity protocols. On Wednesday, 10th June, Colombia’s Ministry of Tourism ran an online training webinar, describing how this Latin American country planned to implement these measures. Here's what you need to know: Colombia has identified two avenues for companies to follow so that people can once again travel to and around the country in a safe and secure manner.
Let’s start with the implementation of biosecurity protocols. This is obligatory for companies and personnel working in tourism in Colombia. You are required to implement into your company, organization or personal in tourism two sets of safety protocols:
General protocolsThese protocols cover general biosecurity measures that many people will be familiar with and are currently using - face masks, social distancing, working from home when you can etc. However, article 666 details the exact measures companies need to implement to operate in travel. Here is a brief overview of what you will find in the document:
Specific protocols for different sectors within the industryIf you work in tourism you are also required to adhere to the specific protocols that relate to your sector. There sectors are divied as follows:
More specific sectors that could in the future include security measure of their own are:
You can view all the specific protocols for different sectors by clicking on this website - http://colombiasigueadelante.mincit.gov.co/. Every company or person working in the tourism industry is obliged to implement these measures until the emergency sanitation period ends. Currently this is scheduled for August 31, however, an extension is possible depending on how well Colombia is slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Companies don't have to pay anything to implement these practices, however, it may be worth seeking expert consultancy on this subject. Kagumu Adventures is currently working with an expert consultant who will ensure all biosecurity safety protocols are in place. Biosecurity safety stampThe second part of the reactivation process is the biosecurity "check in stamp." Companies wishing to get a seal of approval have to comply with all the necessary safety requirements stated in article 666. It is important to note that this is not obligatory and companies can still run their tourism operation without the stamp. Colombia's Ministry of Tourism believes that companies who get the stamp will increase awareness of the issue, earn the confidence of travelers and gain a competitive advantage. Anyone legally registered to work in tourism in Colombia can apply for this stamp. The process will rely on the general and sector-specific protocols that you have followed from article 666. Once all the protocols are in place, you have to send off your application via the mini portal - and it will be assessed by ONAC - the National Accreditation Organization. Important points to consider are:
Extra notes for travel agencies in Colombia
While safety protocols apply to you and your staff and any buildings or transport you may have, it is important to ensure all the providers you work with have complied with the biosecurity measures. You should also assess each part of your trip for potential bio risks and mitigate these risks where necessary. Resources: For information on accrediting your company with the stamp, visit Organismo Nacional de Acreditación de Colombia. For more information and videos about how you can implement biosecurity measures, click on this Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/sdeconomicoarmenia Click here to visit Colombia's Ministry of Tourism webpage. Click here to download the coronavirus app in Colombia
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