The number of tourists in the world in 2020 will suffer a drop between 1 and 3% due to the new coronavirus epidemic, which could cause losses for the sector of up to 50 billion dollars, warned the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Friday (06.03.2020).
Before the emergence of the new coronavirus, the UNWTO estimated that the number of tourists worldwide would grow by between 3% and 4% this year, the UN agency based in Madrid recalled.
In this first assessment it is expected that Asia and the Pacific is the most affected region, with arrivals expected to fall by between 9% and 12%. Estimates for other regions of the world are currently premature given the rapidly evolving situation. UNWTO stresses that any estimates should be treated with caution and are likely to be updated.
At the same time, UNWTO calls for financial and political support for recovery measures aimed at tourism and that support for the sector be included in the broader recovery plans and measures of the affected economies.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will be felt throughout the tourism value chain. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili further stresses that “Small and medium-sized enterprises make up around 80% of the tourism sector and are particularly exposed, with millions of people, many of them in vulnerable communities, for whom tourism is their livelihood..
Political and financial commitments are essential to ensure that tourism can lead a more far-reaching economic and social recovery, as has been demonstrated in past situations, due to the highly resilient nature of the sector and its ability to bounce back strongly.
Over the past decades, tourism has matured as a sector and is firmly established as a substantial contributor to sustainable development, economic growth, employment and international understanding. As the UN specialized agency on tourism and sustainable development, the World Tourism Organization will provide guidance on recovery measures and support to its members, the private and public tourism sector, including organizers of tourism events and fairs.
❗️IMPORTANT❗️
First assessment on # COVID19 impact on tourism.
COVID-19: #UNWTO calls on governments, international organizations and donor agencies to include #tourism as a priority in recovery plans and actions.
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— World Tourism Organization (@UNWTO) March 6, 2020
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