Travel Tip: Look for the Bright Green Stamp!

If you’re like me, you’re climbing the walls. Your nose is pressed to the window and all you can think about is going somewhere. ANYWHERE. You want to plan a trip! But travel looks a little different right now. How do you know where to go, what to do, or where to stay? How do you know what’s safe? Easy! Look for the bright green stamp!

World Travel & Tourism Council Safe Travels Stamp

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels stamp to reassure travelers in the wake of the pandemic. It’s a global first for travel and tourism!

The stamp identifies destinations and businesses worldwide that have adopted global safety standards. Hotels, restaurants, airlines, attractions, and most other travel-related businesses must meet the WTTC requirements to qualify.

The travel world’s heavy hitters like Marriott, United Airlines, Expedia, and the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) developed the WTTC protocols. Guidelines address disinfection procedures, PPE, physical distancing, roles for technology (like contactless payment or digital menus), and increased staff training.

How It Works

The stamp is a bright, lime green with the words “Safe travels approved by World Travel & Tourism Council.” (Side note: For those old enough to remember, it’s the same green as Mr. Yuk – who also helped to keep us safe!)  Destinations and select travel organizations award the stamp to local businesses that align with the WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols for health and hygiene.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WTTC LIST OF PROTOCOLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Why Does it Matter?

Each sector of the travel industry worldwide was dramatically impacted by COVID-19. Each scrambled to make changes to safety practices, hoping to encourage customers to return. However, different players had very different ideas of what ‘safe’ means.

Enter the WTTC, who stepped in to create a series of standardized best practices across the board. They provide peace of mind to travelers who may be hesitant to hit the road. Oh – as a bonus, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has endorsed the entire program!

KA Leads the Way in the U.S.A!

Kaleidoscope Adventures, a trusted student tour operator for more than 27 years, is leading the way again as the FIRST tour operator in the United States to earn the Safe Travels stamp.

The ‘New Normal’

As the ‘new normal’ for student travel emerges, KA is setting the industry standard for traveling with confidence.  When students are ready to travel again, count on Kaleidoscope to keep students as safe as possible. Being the first U.S. tour operator to receive the Safe Travels stamp underscores that commitment!

Plan A Trip

If your walls are scratched beyond repair, PLAN A TRIP!  Plan a trip with a student group, your family, friends, or alone if you’ve had enough of everyone else (cough cough).   Just look for the bright green stamp and #travelconfidently!