How Many Travel Reopening Guidelines Is Too Many?

One thing that every single sector of the fragmented travel industry can agree on is that when international travel does resume, it needs to be done safely and conscientiously. Just how that is achieved, though, is a much more complicated question, bringing together a disjointed chorus of voices trying to face this new operational reality. In recent weeks, a preponderance — some might say a glut — of guidelines and protocols have been released from trade organizations, industry groups, public health bodies, governments, as well as destinations and private companies themselves. All of these, we can be sure, share the good intention of keeping travelers and industry workers safe. But some on the ground wonder if this is the best approach: With advice coming from every direction and level, how do travel industry professionals know who to listen to as they face this strange new reality? And how will consumers be convinced they are safe? These questions point to a recurring challe