Against a backdrop of travel restrictions being introduced, UNWTO underscores the importance of international dialogue and cooperation and emphasizes the COVID-19 challenge also represents an opportunity to show how solidarity can go beyond borders.
The tourism sector, like no other economic activity with social impact, is based on interaction among people. UNWTO has been guiding the tourism sector’s response on several levels:
By cooperating closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the lead UN agency for the management of this outbreak;
by ensuring with WHO that health measures are implemented in ways that minimize unnecessary impact on international travel and trade;
by standing in solidarity with affected countries; and
by emphasizing tourism’s proven resilience and by standing ready to support recovery.
Impact on Tourism
The tourism sector is currently one of the hardest-hit by the outbreak of COVID-19, with impacts on both travel supply and demand. This represents an added downside risk in the context of a weaker world economy, geopolitical, social and trade tensions, as well as uneven performance among major outbound travel markets.
Considering the evolving nature of the situation, it is too early to estimate the full impact of the COVID-19 on international tourism. For its initial assessment, UNWTO takes the SARS scenario of 2003 as a benchmark, factoring in the size and dynamics of global travel and current disruptions, the geographic spread of COVID-19 and its potential economic impact:
As of today, UNWTO estimates that in 2020 global international tourist arrivals could decline between 20-30%, down from an estimated growth of 3% to 4% forecast in early January 2020.
This could translate into a loss of US$ 30 to 50 billion in spending by international visitors (international tourism receipts).
Estimates for other world regions are currently premature in view of the rapidly evolving situation.
UNWTO underscores that any estimate must be treated with caution due to the volatile and uncertain evolution of the outbreak which might lead to further revisions.
Responsible Travel
Personal responsibility is the most important step that people can take to protect themselves and others. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the basic prevention practices that apply while travelling and in daily life (WHO advice for public). These include:
regular hand-washing,
normal cough etiquette,
postponing travel plans in cases of illness, and
avoiding contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
It is essential to stay informed as the situation evolves, especially while travelling. Travelers should check regularly with WHO and other reliable resources for the latest updates and information issued by health and travel professionals.
Travelers are responsible not only for their own well-being but for the well-being of those around them. They should be aware of the symptoms and take all the recommended steps for personal hygiene.
UNWTO is observing the introduction of restrictions on travel. Where these are introduced, they must be based on the latest expert recommendations and have public health concerns as a main concern.
Within this context, UNWTO has stressed the importance of international dialogue and cooperation. This shared challenge also presents the global community, including the tourism sector, to work more closely together and show that solidarity can go beyond national borders.
Solidarity
UNWTO is observing the introduction of restrictions on travel. Where these are introduced, they must be based on the latest expert recommendations and have public health concerns as a main concern.
Within this context, UNWTO has stressed the importance of international dialogue and cooperation.
This shared challenge also presents the global community, including the tourism sector, to work more closely together and show that solidarity can go beyond national borders.
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Written and Posted by: Genc Minarolly , Reference : https://www.unwto.org/
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