Tourism has been among the hardest hit of all sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. No country has been unaffected. Restrictions on travel and a sudden drop in consumer demand have led to an unprecedented fall in international tourism numbers, which in turn have led to economic loss and the loss of jobs.

Women, youth, and workers in the informal economy are the most at risk from tourism sector job losses and business closures due to the pandemic.

The tourism crisis is also a threat to wildlife conservation initiatives and to the protection of the world's cultural heritage. 

Certain COVID Facts on Tourism

    • Tourism generates 7% of global trade.

    • One in ten people are employed in Tourism industry.

    • In the first five month of 2020, tourism lost $320 billion - more than three times the loss during the Global Economic Crisis of 2009.

    • International tourist numbers could decline by 58% to 78% in 2020.

    • Around 100 million direct tourism jobs are at risk.

    • Youth are the most hard hit since Tourism is a lifeline, offering young people a chance to earn a living without having to migrate either within their home countries or abroad.

World Tourism Day 2020

    • United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated 2020 as the Year of "Tourism and Rural Development".

    • Celebrations will be on the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage all around the world.

    • It is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world population will live in urban areas, while 80% of those currently living in ‘extreme poverty’ live outside of towns and cities. Thus development through tourism can also keep rural communities alive.

Roadmap to sustainable Tourism Post-COVID (UNWTO Report 2020)

    1. Managing the crisis and mitigating the socio-economic impacts on livelihoods

        a. Protect jobs, income and enterprises

        b. Build confidence through health and safety protocols in all tourism operations 

        c. Strengthen coordination, partnerships and solidarity for socio-economic recovery

    2. Boosting competitiveness and building resilience

    3. Advancing innovation and the digitalization of the tourism ecosystem

    4. Fostering sustainability and inclusive green growth

    5. Strengthening coordination and partnerships to transform tourism and achieve the SDGs.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)