Presentation: SOS.travel

SOS.travel is an online one-stop-shop where users can access the latest critical information and communication tools in anticipation of, or in response to, natural and man-made crises with potential impacts on tourism. The system aims to support crisis preparedness in the tourism sector and assist in rapid recovery from crisis situations. SOS.travel also serves as a valuable resource for travellers by providing in one place the tools and information they need in order to make informed decisions about their own safety and security, and to obtain assistance in case of an emergency. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UzxPakwNeM] Through SOS.travel, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) supports its Member States in deploying the very latest developments in modern media communications to facilitate their crisis management activities, thereby minimizing harmful impacts on destinations. Aside from being a public site, SOS.travel offers UNWTO Member Countries and Destinations easy-to-use tools and procedures to create Stand-By Web Pages that are ready for when a crisis occurs. Stand-By Pages by definition, are not made viewable to the public unless deemed appropriate by the Member State responsible for managing them, and generally not until a crisis breaks. By putting together a Stand-By Page, the Countries or Destinations can enhance preparedness and coordination among players with a role in a potential crisis. Once activated, the pages also provide a powerful communication platform for sending important messages to the public, the Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) of industry leaders, and to other groups. Finally, SOS.travel serves as a hub of secure communication, facilitating the timely exchange of critical information between and among TERN members and participating International Organizations. Through the deployment of identification safeguards, the system enables executives in different organizations facing similar challenges to better coordinate their efforts and rapidly exchange information with the confidence that the information will only be read by the intended recipients. ^{SOS.travel is a UN System Influenza Coordination (UNSIC) funded initiative created and managed by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO).} For more information, contact: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Tel. No: +34 91 5678 100 Email: rcm@unwto.org