The Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) is a closely knit grouping of the leading tourism associations of the world that was formally launched in Washington DC in April 2006 under the auspices of Mr. Francesco Frangialli, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization. While the UNWTO took the initiative in mobilizing the travel trade in the face of the potential evolution of the H5N1 avian flu virus to a pandemic form, the necessity for closer collaboration and cooperation amongst the decision makers and stakeholders in tourism was reinforced as a result of recent events that were damaging to the industry. The catalyst was the tsunami of December 2004 when men and nations became conscious of the fragility of established systems against unforeseen and unpredictable elements.

While the initiative for this “network of networks” stemmed from UNWTO, TERN is characterised by its independence and inter-dependency where each partner works for the common good of a single cause: make travel and destinations safe for tourists. Some basic guidelines were established at the inception such as:

• work closely with the UN System Influenza Coordinator, the WHO and other involved UN agencies;
• share real time information and ideas;
• give clear, concise and geographically specific public messages;
• Seek close media liaison to better spread information as necessary.

It was further decided that UNWTO will host and manage TERN.

The current membership stands as follows: the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA), Airports Council International (ACI), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), American Hotel & Lodging Association, Association of European Airlines (AEA), Associación de Transporte Aereo (ALTA), European Travel Commission (ETC), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA), International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO), National Tour Association (NTA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA).

The task of managing the activities related to TERN is the responsibility of the newly established Risk and Crisis Management (RCM) section of the UNWTO. While maintaining a close dialogue with TERN there has also been more tangible action: TERN members were invited and participated in the two Avian and Human Influenza scenario based simulation exercises organized by UNWTO in Paris and Jakarta in March and July 2007 respectively.

TERN also plays a prominent role in UNWTO’s portal www.SOS.travel designed to serve travellers and industry partners alike as the one-stop shop emergency platform. Mitigating the impacts of natural and man-made disasters on tourism and coordinating and communicating these efforts through the different interfaces such as TERN is a primary objective of the RCM unit.

The role of TERN, therefore, has seen a gradual evolution from the initial purpose for which it was set up as an advisory and participatory body dealing with an AHI pandemic to one that encompasses all threats to the tourism industry. Being a network of the leading tourism associations of the world the joint membership of TERN far surpasses that of any similar grouping. The relationship between UNWTO and TERN, while being mutually beneficial, has also underscored the responsibility of each institution to help improve the well-being of travellers and to mitigate the impacts of natural and man-made disasters on tourism.