The scale of disruption caused by COVID-19 to global tourism is shown in a comprehensive new report on travel restrictions from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The landmark report, published at a time of unprecedented disruption for the sector, shows that almost all global destinations have imposed restrictions on travel since January 2020, including complete bans on all travel as they work to contain the pandemic.

In light of the impact of COVID-19, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and the Government of Flanders have announced that the 6th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, scheduled to take place 1-3 June in Bruges, Belgium, will now be held in June 2021 (date to be announced).

"By staying home today, we can travel tomorrow”.The hashtag #TravelTomorrow encapsulates this message of solidarity and hope, through whichthe World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calls for shared responsibility among travellers and the tourism sector around the world to deal with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released a set of recommendations calling for urgent and strong support to help the global tourism sector not only recover from the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 but to ‘grow back better’. The Recommendations are the first output of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee, established by UNWTO with high-level representatives from across the tourism sector and from within the wider United Nations system.