Gloria Gueverra, the Chief Executive Offer of the World Travel and Tourism Council, thinks COVID-19 vaccinations as a requirement for travel are discriminatory.
“If you require the vaccination before travel, that takes us to discrimination.”
Gloria Gueverra, CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council
Gueverra, pictured below with former US President Barack Obama, made the remarks in a recent panel at Reuters Next. The virtual event, which started earlier this week, hosts “…diverse voices from around the world who will examine topics from different perspectives, bringing their passion, experience and expertise to find new ways forward.”
Gueverra, who was also the former Secretary of Tourism for Mexico, was participating in a panel event at the conference, where she noted that vaccinations should never be required to get a job or travel. The comments come in the face of growing pressure on countries to require COVID-19 vaccines for travel. Indeed, some airlines are moving in this direction already with Qantas Air’s CEO indicating support for such a move.
Recently, the United States announced a new requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to enter the United States on inbound international travel.
4 comments
If you are a traveler trying to visit another country, you are technically the guest of that country. If the host country wants to protect its citizens from a highly contagious disease, where a primary vector is from travelers, it does not appear to be unreasonable that they require such vaccinations. Countries already are allowed to deny entry for a myriad of reasons, including criminal history, health issues, etc. Why is this any different?
I agree if the vaccine is available worldwide.
First class is discrimination if that travel organization is to be believed. Free First Class for All Paid for by the Rich.
Travel isn’t a right though, its a privilege so you’re not entitled to travel. if you have to jump thru hoops to travel, then so be it.