Safe Tourism Certificate

What is a Safe Tourism Certificate?

A Safe Tourism Certificate confirms that a tourism business meets health, hygiene, and safety standards. The program was created to protect tourists and staff during events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries or regions establish these certification programs to regulate tourism businesses. To join, a business must implement specific health and hygiene protocols, complete required training, and meet the standards. Typical protocols include:

Cleaning and disinfection: Regular cleaning and disinfection of hotel rooms, restaurants, and common areas.
Social distancing: Arrangements to comply with distancing rules and avoid crowding.
Staff training: Training employees on pandemic-period health and hygiene rules.
Health screenings: Health checks for guests and staff upon entry or regularly.
Hygiene supplies: Providing hygiene materials like hand sanitizers and masks.

These certificates help tourism businesses create a safer environment for tourists and employees. They also guide travelers in making informed choices. Many countries and regions are adopting such measures to reduce health risks while maintaining tourism-sector economic activity.

Who can obtain a Safe Tourism Certificate?

A Safe Tourism Certificate is available to businesses across the tourism sector. Eligible businesses include:

Hotels and Holiday Villages: These accommodation providers can use the certificate to show they meet health, hygiene, and safety standards.
Restaurants and Cafes: Food and beverage establishments can obtain the certificate to demonstrate a hygienic and safe dining environment.
Tour Operators and Travel Agencies: For these businesses, the certificate confirms they have implemented required health and safety measures.
Transportation Companies: Air, sea, and road transport providers can obtain the certificate to signal passenger safety is a priority.
Tourism Activity Providers: Businesses organizing activities like water sports, cultural tours, or nature excursions are also eligible.

To obtain a Safe Tourism Certificate, a business must meet the requirements set by the administering authority or program. These requirements depend on the business type, size, and sector. The certification process and scope vary by country and by program.

How to Obtain a Safe Tourism Certificate

A tourism business must demonstrate its compliance with specific health, hygiene, and safety standards to obtain a Safe Tourism Certificate. The process typically involves these steps:

Identify the Relevant Authority: Determine the official tourism authority or authorized organization in your country or region that manages the Safe Tourism Certificate program and evaluates applications.
Review the Requirements: Examine the program's criteria. These often include cleaning and hygiene protocols, social distancing rules, staff training, health screenings, and the provision of hygiene supplies.
Achieve Compliance: Bring your business's facilities and operations into line with the established requirements. Update your health, hygiene, and safety standards accordingly.
Submit an Application: Obtain the application forms and process details from the program's official website or the authorized body. Prepare all required documents and submit your application.
Audit and Evaluation: Your application will be evaluated, and an audit may be conducted to verify your business meets the defined standards. In some cases, officials perform an on-site inspection.
Receive the Certificate: Once your application and audit process conclude positively, your business will be issued the Safe Tourism Certificate. This certificate confirms your business offers a safe tourism experience in terms of health and hygiene.

The application and evaluation process for a Safe Tourism Certificate varies by country or region. Follow the specific procedures set by the organization administering the program. After successfully completing certification, you can build greater trust and appeal with tourists and customers.

Safe Tourism Certificate Price

Prices for a Safe Tourism Certificate vary by country and certification program. The issuing authority or authorized body sets the price, which typically depends on the business's size, type, sector role, and other factors.

A fee may apply for the certificate application, the audit and evaluation process, or both. Separate fees often apply for certificate renewal and updates.