As countries transition out of lockdown and reopen their borders, the WTTC believes the wearing of face masks and coverings not on provide personal protection and protection for those around them, they signal a return to safer travels.

The council has launched a new "wear to care" campaign, calling on travellers to share pictures of themselves proudly travelling with their masks to help normalise the practice via #wear2care.

The WTTC is now advising masks are worn on all forms of transport during the entire passenger journey, as well as when entering any enclosed venue where distancing of two metres is not achievable.

It has asked government around the world to enforce the wearing of masks, and has called on the private sector to reinforce travellers’ obligation to look out for themselves and their fellow guests.

"Embracing the use of face masks will reduce the risk of transmission, protect the user and those around them, as well as reintroducing a sense of normality as we learn to live with the virus until a vaccine is found," said the WTTC on Friday (10 July).

The recommendation come after the WTTC issued new safe and seamless travel guidelines, which include encouraging and supporting all track, test and trace efforts, as well as frequent handwashing and the wearing of masks to help reduce Covid transmission.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said: “The safety and hygiene of travellers and those who work in travel and tourism is of paramount importance, which is why we now strongly recommend masks being mandatory.

“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.

“The wearing of masks should not be politicised. Wearing a mask needs 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.”