The latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has revealed that 2020 has been the worst year on record for global tourism. In 2020, international arrivals dropped by 74 percent when compared to 2019. All over the world, countries welcomed one billion fewer international arrivals owing to global travel restrictions.
Millions of jobs continue to remain at risk
The collapse in international travel has led to an estimated loss of US$1.3 trillion in export revenues according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This figure is more than 1 times the loss that was recorded during the 2009 global recession. The pandemic has put between 100 and 120 million direct tourism jobs at risk in the tourism sector, many of them belonging to small and medium-sized businesses.
As the second-wave of the pandemic hits many countries, they have reinforced the strict travel restrictions, once again shutting borders. The eventual rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public has restored consumer confidence and may help normalize travel in the near future.
UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said: “While much has been made in making safe international travel a possibility, we are aware that the crisis is far from over. The harmonisation, coordination and digitalization of Covid-19 travel-related risk reduction measures, including testing, tracing and vaccination certificates, are essential foundations to promote safe travel and prepare for the recovery of tourism once conditions allow.”
Also Read: HKTB Reveals 93.6% Drop In Total Visitor Arrivals In 2020
