The below suggested protocols for the attractions industry were compiled on the basis of insights and frameworks developed by the Global Association for the Attraction Industry (IAAPA) to support the safe, healthy and responsible restart of attractions around the world. The objective is to ensure that protocols are in place across all relevant functions with an increased focus on health, safety and physical distancing standards which travellers will need and expect.
OPERATIONAL AND STAFF PREPAREDNESS
As attractions restart their operations, they should ensure they can optimise operational quality and delivery and have trained staff to prepare and execute on the operational plans. Attractions may achieve operational readiness for reopening by having obtained the applicable reopening license if required by local government as well as by having a developed COVID-19 prevention plan including an action/checklist for infection prevention and a special cleaning and disinfection plan.
ENSURING A SAFE EXPERIENCE
As attractions work to deliver a safe experience for their staff and their guests through enhanced cleanliness and hygiene best practices, they should have worked with suppliers to understand what additional measures have been introduced. In addition they should have implemented processes focused on enhanced sanitation, disinfection and deep cleaning practices as well as increase their
cleaning/disinfection frequency.
REBUILDING TRUST AND CONFIDENCE
As attractions work to enhance trust and confidence through transparency and communication with their guests, they should provide clear, consistent and up-to-date communication to customers on new health & hygiene protocols via the organisation’s channels, both digitally and physically at the venue. Implement clear signage to inform guests of the enhanced cleaning protocols, avoiding physical contact, and recommendations.
IMPLEMENTING ENABLING POLICIES
As attractions work to recover, it is essential that enabling policies are implemented at the governmental level.
Within these protocols, the attractions industry refers to a wide variety of facilities and venues such as aquariums, amusement parks, family entertainment centres, museums, science centres, theme parks, water parks, zoos and other entertainment & cultural attractions. It also includes non-fixed location day-tour experiences such as hop on, hop off buses. Unlike mass gatherings, such as sports arenas and concerts, capacity can be managed and/or reduced to allow for appropriate physical distancing. What’s more exposure time is limited, and a large percentage of attraction attendance is made up of family members who live in the same home and thus do not need to be physically distanced from one another.
Note that these recommendations are subject to change and may be enhanced as new information about the virus becomes available. While not all these recommendations will apply every business in the attractions industry, the information is intended to provide guidance prior to re-opening. It is recommended that all attraction practices follow local and national legislation and
the latest guidance from public health organisations including the WHO.
Source: World Travel & Tourism Council