Based on the recent analysis from the World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO), 40 percent of the destinations have eased travel restrictions placed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to outlook recorded on July 19th, is up from 22 percent destinations that had eased their restrictions on travel by June 15th and the 3 percent was previously observed by May 15th. Hence this states and confirms the trend of slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of tourism worldwide. However, out of 87 destinations that have eased travel restrictions, only four have completely lifted all restrictions and the rest have eased restrictions while keeping measures like partial closure of borders. Also, the UNWTO Travel Restrictions Report shows that 115 destinations, 53 percent of all destinations, have continued to keep their borders completely closed for tourism.
The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly
The Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated: “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.”
Based on the UNWTO report, tourism-dependent destinations are the ones likely to be easing restrictions on travel. Out of 87 destinations that have eased restrictions, 20 of them are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of which are tourism-dependent as a central pillar of economic growth, development, and employment. Also, the report shows that 41 of the destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe, confirming the leading role of the region that is responsible for the restart of tourism.
115 destinations continue to be closed to international tourism
Among the 115 destinations that continue to be closed to international tourism, 88 of the destinations have completely closed their borders for international tourism for more than 12 weeks. The introduced cost related to the travel restrictions due to Covid-19 has great dimensions. UNWTO released the data of tourism concerning the impact of the pandemic, both in terms of lost revenues and tourist arrivals. This data showed that by the end of May, the pandemic has caused US$320 billion loss in revenue and three times the cost of the 2009 Global Economic Crisis.
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