Travel Advisory - on the A(H1N1) activity in Southeast Asia

Read below the travel advisory from our DOT about the Swine flu spreading across SE Asia.

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Travel Advisory

(As of 8:00 AM September 11, 2009)

Department of Tourism

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia continue to experience geographically regional or widespread influenza A (H1N1) activity (represented by countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia).”

Despite the scenario within the country’s Southeast Asian neighbors, Philippine tourism remains proactive and reiterates the statement from the WHO recommending no travel restrictions, acknowledging that preparedness, and not panic, is the key response.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) also echoes the statement from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which recently convened to anticipate the challenges the virus will bring, and ensure that the travel and tourism sectors are prepared.

In the two-day review and preparation exercise on ‘Travel and Tourism under Pandemic Conditions’ in Madrid on August 26-27, it was emphasized that “travel limitations would not limit the spread of A (H1N1) because it is already ‘the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world,’ after a thorough presentation by the WHO.

It was also strongly recommended that the sector “improve with business continuity,” as tourism continues to play an integral role in the country’s economic development. With this underscored, collective support for the industry is necessary.

Tourists coming to the Philippines are assured that all monitoring procedures are being implemented, and coordination with regional tourism offices is maintained to guarantee appropriate action.

The DOT enjoins tourism stakeholders to help strengthen the sector’s readiness by responding positively to the growing concern, and carry on in helping educate travelers on the practical steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Being informed and prepared is always the key. Knowing that the A (H1N1) virus is not an airborne virus but transmitted via water droplets, it is important for travelers to practice necessary precautions through strict personal hygiene, regular hand washing, and etiquette. For people showing symptoms of influenza before, during or after a trip, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.

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Source: http://www.unwto.org/media/news/en/press_det.php?id=4671&idioma=E

UNWTO Preparing for the Challenges Ahead

Madrid, Spain, 2 September 2009

In view of the current influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, UNWTO held a two-day review and preparation exercise on ‘Travel and Tourism under Pandemic Conditions’ in Madrid 26-27 August. The workshop was convened to anticipate the challenges the virus will bring over the next few months and ensure that the travel and tourism sector is fully prepared for the evolving pandemic.

The event brought together representatives from 33 public administrations, the private sector (transport, hospitality and travel services) and relevant International Organizations to increase preparedness for the second wave of the pandemic, expected to coincide with the beginning of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere this coming fall. The participants discussed actions undertaken by the sector in the context of the general industrial response and stressed the need for a transparent, consistent and timely exchange of information and communication among the different stakeholders of the sector. In particular, participants welcomed the regular exchanges within the Tourism Emergency Response Network, managed by UNWTO, and encouraged its consolidation.

In order to avoid unnecessary disruptions it was recommended that countries should review and confirm that tourism is appropriately included in overall pandemic preparedness plans. A number of recommendations were made to improve business continuity, including inclusion of crucial functions in the sector among the priority groups in vaccination plans. This is especially important as tourism is important for the economy of most countries and pivotal for the poorest states.

The event included presentations by experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) explaining the status of the spread and impact of the virus. It was underscored that travel limitations would not limit the spread of A(H1N1) because it is already “the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world”.

“This review was timely and exceptionally helpful to strengthen our sector’s preparedness and to ensure that tourism and travel continues to be effectively embedded in the global pandemic response”, said UNWTO Assistant Secretary General Geoffrey Lipman. “We particularly appreciate the involvement and leadership of the World Health Organization”.

In line with WHO recommendations, the event stressed that travellers should be vigilant about their own health, stay informed and follow fundamental hygiene precautionary measures such as frequent hand washing and proper cough etiquette. It was also emphasised that travellers should ensure that their travel insurance will cover unforeseen flu related costs in the event they fall sick away from home and should take medical advice should they experience flu symptoms immediately before, during or after travel.


For further information please visit UNWTO’s emergency response portal: http://www.sos.travel/

Contact information:

Assistant Secretary-General & Spokesperson: Geoffrey Lipman
Risk and Crisis Management: Dirk Glaesser
rcm@UNWTO.org

Media Officer: Marcelo Risi
T: +34 91-567-8178 / +34 91-567-8100 / F: +34 91-567-8218
comm@UNWTO.org - www.UNWTO.org