COVID-19 and Tourism
Tourism in Pre-Pandemic Times
International Tourists
International tourist arrivals in 2019
(10th consecutive year of sustained growth)
Millions of Jobs
With a high share of women (54% of the workforce) and youth
Export Revenues
- 3rd largest export category
- 50% of total exports for many small developing countries
Growing Faster than the World Economy
Tourism is a key sector in many advanced and emerging economies
The Impact of COVID-19 on International Tourism
-
Wuhan lockdown
-
WHO declares the outbreak a global health emergency
-
WHO declares the outbreak a pandemic
-
100% of worldwide destinations have introduced travel restrictions
-
27% of all destinations worldwide keep their borders completely closed for international tourism
Unprecedented fall of international tourism
International tourism back to levels of 30 years ago
-74%
Loss of international tourist arrivals
Loss in international tourism receipts
US$ 1.3 trillion
International tourism could plunge to levels of
1990s
Estimated loss in global GDP
over US$ 2 trillion
Loss of international tourist arrivals
1 billion
100-120 million
direct tourism jobs at risk
SELECTED TOURISM INDICATORS 2020
LOOKING AHEAD
2021–2024 SCENARIOS
When do you expect international tourism to return to pre-pandemic 2019 levels in your country?
Most tourism experts do not expect international tourism to return to pre-COVID levels before 2023
What are the main factors weighing on the recovery of international tourism?
Travel restrictions, slow virus containment and the economic environment: main barriers to the recovery of international tourism
Share of destinations with complete closure of borders, by region, 2020 (%)
Progressive decline in number of completely closed destinations
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Changes in traveller behaviour in times of COVID-19
-short-lived trends or here to stay?-
Domestic tourism has shown positive signs in many markets since people tend to travel closer. Travellers go for 'staycations' or vacations close to home.
Health & Safety measures and cancellation policies are consumers' main concerns.
Nature, Rural Tourism and Road Trips have emerged as popular travel choices due to travel limitations and the quest for open-air experiences.
Last-minute bookings have increased due to volatility of pandemic-related events and the travel restrictions.
Change in demographics:
travel recovery has been stronger among younger segments. 'Mature' travellers and retirees will be the most impacted segments.
Sustainability, authenticity and localhood:
travellers have been giving more importance to creating a positive impact on local communities, increasing looking for authenticity
