The International Organization for Standardization, ISO, has published “ISO/PAS 5643 Requirements and recommendations for reducing the spread of Covid-19 in the tourism industry.” This is a standard that will become a global reference for best practices to reduce coronavirus risks in the tourism sector.
The development of these requirements and recommendations was led by Spain, through the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE), the Spanish member of ISO, and the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE), with the support of the State Secretariat for Tourism of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism.
The ISO/PAS 5643 specification establishes requirements and recommendations to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in tourism organizations to protect both employees and tourists and residents, and to provide safer tourism services for everyone, generating trust. It covers practically all tourism subsectors.
In July 2020, Spain, under the leadership of ICTE, presented its project to ISO/TC 228 Tourism and related services. After approval at the end of September 2020, a group consisting of experts from over 20 countries and prestigious international organizations, such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the European hotel association (HOTREC), or European consumers (ANEC), began the work. Many experts have joined since then, and after several intense debates, the new standard was finally published.
The ISO/PAS 5643 specification is divided into three major chapters:
- The first chapter focuses on common requirements that all organizations must meet (general measures, emergency plan, information requirements, personnel, cleaning and disinfection, and measures regarding ventilation, etc.).
- The second chapter includes specific guidelines for each of the subsectors (from beaches to restaurants, nightlife, accommodation, or tourist visits).
- The third chapter consists of auxiliary or complementary services, whose requirements must be met only by those tourism organizations that have these facilities or services (public toilets, elevators, swimming pools, children’s areas, shops, etc.).
The document is completed with an informative annex on masks (types, instructions for use, etc.) and a second annex with accessibility considerations to be taken into account when designing the emergency plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO/PAS 5643?
It is a global standard providing requirements and recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the entire tourism industry.
Who led the development of this standard?
The development was led by Spain through UNE and ICTE, with contributions from experts in over 20 countries and international organizations.
Which sectors does the standard cover?
It covers almost all tourism subsectors, including accommodation, restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and auxiliary services like pools or shops.