LONDON — The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has entered the debate over face masks, urging all travellers to “wear to care” as global borders begin to reopen.

Citing evidence of countries where face masks have been widely enforced are recovering faster from COVID-19, WTTC is advising wearing them on all forms of transport throughout the entire travel journey, as well as when visiting any interior venue or those with restricted movement.

The organization has asked governments around the world to enforce the wearing of face masks and enlist the support of the private sector to remind customers of their obligations to protect their health and that of fellow travellers.

“The safety and hygiene of travellers and those who work in Travel & Tourism is of paramount importance, which is why we now strongly recommend masks being mandatory,” said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO. “’Wear to care’ promotes the protection of face mask users and visibly shows they care about the welfare and safety of their fellow travellers, which will help save lives and encourage the return of safe travels.”

Noting the controversy surrounding the wearing of face masks, Guevara noted that it should not be politicized. Wearing face masks has been proven to provide the highest level of protection against transmission at 82%.

“Wearing a mask need to become part of everyday life to ensure everyone enjoys travelling in safety until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found. We implore the private sector and global governments to encourage their use so wearing a mask becomes the new normal,” she said.

Travellers around the world are being encouraged to join in the WTTC’s new social media campaign, #wear2care, by sharing pictures of themselves proudly travelling with their masks on.