Restrictions on Travel Easing as Europe Leads Cautious Restart of Tourism

• All Regions
• 23 Jun 2020

Restrictions on travel, introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, are slowly being eased, allowing tourism to restart in a growing number of destinations. The latest research by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows that 22% of all destinations worldwide (48 destinations) have started to ease restrictions, with Europe leading the way. At the same time, however, 65% of all destinations worldwide (141 destinations) continue to have their borders completely closed to international tourism.

As the United Nations specialized agency for tourism, UNWTO has been monitoring responses to the pandemic since the start of the current crisis. This latest update, the fifth edition of COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism, shows that the sector is slowly restarting, though this restart is significantly more pronounced in some global regions.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The restart of tourism is of vital importance – for livelihoods, for businesses and for national economies. This latest overview of global travel restrictions shows that growing numbers of destinations are beginning to ease the restrictions they introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is being done in a responsible and measured way. However, this crisis is not over. UNWTO will continue to work with our Member States around the world to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to ensure that, when the time is right, tourism can help drive a responsible and sustainable recovery.”

International travel within Europe restarting while other regions remain closed

UNWTO will continue to work with our Member States around the world to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to ensure that, when the time is right, tourism can help drive a responsible and sustainable recovery

According to UNWTO, as of 15 June, 22% of all destinations (48 destinations) have now eased restrictions on travel, up from just 3% (7 destinations) on 18 May. Destinations that have eased travel restrictions for tourists include:

• 37 destinations in Europe, including 24 of the 26 Schengen Member States
• 6 destinations in the Americas, including 5 Small Island Developing States
• 3 destinations in Asia and the Pacific, including 2 Small Island Developing States
• 2 destinations in Africa

At the same time, the COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions report makes clear that many destinations are maintaining a cautious approach to lifting or easing restrictions on travel. As of 15 June, 24% of all destinations worldwide (51 destinations) have had travel restrictions now in place for 19 weeks and 37% (80 destinations) for 15 weeks.

In total, 65% of destinations worldwide (141 destinations) continue to have their borders completely closed. In Africa, the proportion of destinations where borders remain closed to tourists stands now at 85%. In the Americas, 76% of destinations maintain full border closures, as do 67% of destinations in Asia and the Pacific and 92% of destinations in the Middle East. In Europe, these full border closures are reduced now to 26% of all destinations.

Related Links

• Download the news release
• UNWTO Report: Travel Restriction
• COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions reports
• UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism
• One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector

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New Data Shows Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism as UNWTO Calls for Responsible Restart of the Sector

• All Regions
• 22 Jun 2020

As tourism slowly restarts in an increasing number of countries, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released new data measuring the impact of COVID-19 on the sector. UNWTO emphasizes the need for responsibility, safety and security as restrictions on travel are lifted. The Organization also reiterates the need for credible commitment to support tourism as a pillar for recovery.

After several months of unprecedented disruption, the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer reports that the sector is beginning to restart in some areas, most notably in Northern Hemisphere destinations. At the same time, restrictions on travel remain in place in a majority of global destinations, and tourism remains one of the worst affected of all sectors.

Against this backdrop, UNWTO has reiterated its call for governments and international organizations to support tourism, a lifeline for many millions and a backbone of economies.

Restarting tourism in a responsible way a priority

Until tourism’s restart is underway everywhere, UNWTO again calls for strong support for the sector in order to protect jobs and businesses

The gradual lifting of restrictions in some countries, together with the creation of travel corridors, the resumption of some international flights and enhanced safety and hygiene protocols, are among the measures being introduced by governments as they look to restart tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The sudden and massive fall in tourist numbers threatens jobs and economies. It is vital, therefore, that the restart of tourism is made a priority and managed responsibly, protecting the most vulnerable and with health and safety as a the sector’s number one concern. Until tourism’s restart is underway everywhere, UNWTO again calls for strong support for the sector in order to protect jobs and businesses. We therefore welcome the steps undertaken by both the European Union and individual countries including France and Spain to support tourism economically and build the foundations for recovery.”

While April was expected to be one of the busiest times of the year due to the Easter holidays, the near-universal introduction of travel restrictions led to a fall of 97% in international tourist arrivals. This follows a 55% decline in March. Between January and April 2020, international tourist arrivals declined by 44%, translating into a loss of about US$195 billion in international tourism receipts.

Asia and the Pacific hit hardest

At the regional level, Asia and the Pacific was the first to be hit by the pandemic and the worst hit between January and April, with arrivals down 51% in that period. Europe recorded the second-largest fall, with a 44% drop for the same period, followed by the Middle East (-40%), the Americas (-36%) and Africa (-35%).

In early May, UNWTO set out three possible scenarios for the tourism sector in 2020. These point to potential declines in overall international tourist numbers of 58% to 78%, depending on when travel restrictions are lifted. Since mid-May, UNWTO has identified an increase in the number of destinations announcing measures to restart tourism. These include the introduction of enhanced safety and hygiene measures and policies designed to promote domestic tourism.

 

Related Links

• Download the news release
• As Tourism Restarts, UNWTO Notes “Strong and Rapid” Governments’ Response to COVID-Challenge
• International Tourism Data Dashboard
• UNWTO: COVID-19 – Measures to Support Tourism
• UNWTO: Tourism and COVID-19

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As Tourism Restarts, UNWTO Notes “Strong and Rapid” Governments’ Response to COVID-Challenge

• All Regions
• 19 Jun 2020

Governments around the world have responded quickly and strongly to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on their tourism sectors, new research from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has found. As many destinations begin to ease restrictions on travel, the specialized United Nations agency has released its first Briefing Note on Tourism and COVID-19, illustrating efforts taken to safeguard jobs and lay the foundations for recovery.

From the start of the current crisis, UNWTO has urged both governments and international organizations to make tourism – a leading employer and pillar of economic growth – a priority. Research carried out for the Briefing Note indicates this has been the case. Of the 220 countries and territories assessed as of 22 May, 167 have reported taking measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the crisis. Of these, 144 have adopted fiscal and monetary policies, while 100 have taken specific steps to support jobs and training, both in tourism and other key economic sectors. 

Tourism a lifeline for millions

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The determination of governments to both support tourism and now restart tourism is testament to the importance of the sector. In many countries, particularly in the developing world, tourism is a major supporter of livelihoods and economic growth, and so it is vital that we restart tourism in a timely and responsible manner.”

The determination of governments to both support tourism and now restart tourism is testament to the importance of the sector.

UNWTO found that the most common form of economy-wide stimulus packages adopted by governments focus on fiscal incentives  including exemptions or deferrals of taxes (VAT, corporate income tax, etc.), as well as providing emergency economic assistance and relief to businesses through monetary measures such as special credit lines at reduced rates, new loan schemes and state banking guarantees aiming at address liquidity shortage. These policies are complemented with a third pillar to protect the millions of jobs at risk through flexibility mechanisms put in place in many countries, such as exemption or reduction of social security contributions, wage subsidies or special support mechanisms for self employed. Small businesses, which make up 80% of tourism, have received targeted assistance in many countries. In addition to a general overview, the Briefing Note takes a closer look at all tourism specific measures implemented by countries and showcases examples of fiscal and monetary measures, initiatives to protect jobs and promote training and skills, market intelligence initiatives and public-private partnerships, as well as restarting tourism policies.

Europe leads way in tourism restarting policies

Destinations in Europe have led the way in introducing specific policies to restart tourism. According to this latest UNWTO research, 33% of destinations in the region have introduced tourism-specific policies. In Asia and the Pacific, 25% of destinations have adopted restarting tourism policies, while in the Americas this proportion stands at 14% and in Africa at 4%.

The Briefing Note underscores that to restart tourism, restoring trust and confidence in the sector is crucial. In countries where tourism is back on the path to reignition, health and sanitary protocols, certifications and labels for clean and safe practices and safety “corridors” between countries are the most common measures. With domestic tourism as a priority at the moment, promotional campaigns, product development initiatives and vouchers begin to emerge in a few countries.

Alongside the measures of individual countries, the Briefing Note also charts the measures taken by international organizations. The European Commission, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have all supported governments, particularly with special mechanisms for loans, as well as with technical assistance and recommendations for recovery.

Related Links

• Download the news release
• How are countries supporting tourism recovery?
• UNWTO: Recommendations for Recovery
• UNWTO Dashboard on COVID-19: Measures to Support Travel and Tourism
• UNWTO Joins President Sanchez to Plan Restart of Spain’s Tourism Sector

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UNWTO Builds Key Corporate Partnerships at UNGC Leaders Summit 2020

• All Regions
• 19 Jun 2020

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ensured the transformative power of tourism was a key part of the conversation at the latest edition of the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit. The world's largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, the UNGC event brought together around 20,000 global leaders from 180 countries to discuss how business can support countries and communities around the world, with a particular emphasis on achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The summit, one of the first major UN events to be held virtually since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided both business leaders and international organizations with important networking and learning opportunities. For 26 uninterrupted hours, sessions focusing on every part of the sustainability agenda were held in a virtual Networking Hall and Expo Area, and UNWTO was there to make clear tourism’s important role in driving stronger and better recovery from the current crisis.

Private sector support vital for sustainable future

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The support of the private sector is essential if we are to accelerate recovery from the impact of COVID-19, safeguard existing jobs and create new ones, and make tourism more inclusive and sustainable. This virtual summit showed the high level of interest among corporate partners for being part of building a better future for people and planet, and of tourism’s important role in achieving this.”

From a virtual pavilion, representatives from the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department were available for bilateral meetings with the interested participants, as well as attending to requests for information on prospective cooperation and partnerships. From its virtual pavilion, UNWTO also shared the Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism as well as the COVID-19 Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package, both made available to Member States and the private sector and providing a plan of action and an overview of the support UNWTO can offer.

Tourism and the Decade of Action

At the event, the UN Global Compact released the UN Global Compact 20th-Anniversary Progress Report: Uniting Business in the Decade of Action — an analysis of progress businesses have made in embedding the Ten Principles in their strategies and operations to align with the universal values of the UN, and in contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The COVID-19 crisis has coincided with the beginning of the Decade of Action, the countdown to the achievement of the 17 Goals deriving from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Tourism, in particular, has demonstrated its important role in sustainable development and that is why it must be part of relief programmes and actions, ensuring that no one is left behind. In order to be sustainable and to contribute to inclusive growth, the Tourism sector needs to bring all its stakeholders on board. The UNWTO, through its Affiliate Membership creates unique public-private partnership opportunities aiming at enhancing the collective endeavors and global solidarity.

Related links

• Download the news release
• Working With the Private Sector
• UNGC LEADERS SUMMIT - UNWTO'S WORK
• UNWTO Launches Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism
• UNWTO and IFC Partner to Facilitate Green Investment in Tourism

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Allied for Action: Tourism’s Restart Brings Hope for Millions

• All Regions
• 16 Jun 2020

Global tourism has never been more united than it is now. Both in assessing the impact of COVID-19 and in looking at how we can restart tourism in a responsible way, based on the best that our sector has to offer: sustainability, innovation, collaboration and solidarity.

It’s more than three months since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis continues to threaten jobs and livelihoods in tourism and beyond.

Changing gears to #RestartTourism

The UNWTO led Global Tourism Crisis Committee supported our guidelines to restart tourism, and we are now transforming this determination into concrete actions for recovery.

Our efforts are being rewarded at the highest level, from heads of state to landmark support from the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Antonio Guterres identified the sector as a pillar of economic growth, recognizing UNWTO’s leadership as he told the citizens of the world that “tourism can be a platform for overcoming the pandemic”.

Now, as each of the UNWTO Regional Commissions is coming together virtually during these weeks, we will pool our expertise and influence to restart tourism and so get the Decade of Action towards the Sustainable Development Goals back on track.

This round of meetings enjoyed the strongest possible start as Ministers of Tourism from across Africa met to back our plan for action. The UNWTO Agenda for Africa has been realigned to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and to accelerate recovery. Building on this, ahead of their Regional Commission meeting this week, members from across the Americas will further their determination to advocate for tourism as a pillar of post-COVID-19 recovery.

We are always #StrongerTogether

Such a commitment to international cooperation will be important as we move forward and rebuild confidence and trust. The World Committee on Tourism Ethics, an independent body convened by UNWTO, has stressed the importance of safeguarding the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as travel restrictions are eased. Restarting our sector must be done in a timely and responsible manner, avoiding at all costs coming at the expense of fair and equal treatment of tourists. 

As we join the world in celebrating this year’s Sustainable Gastronomy Day, chefs from every global region have given us a first taste of what to expect when we travel again, and highlighted the unique potential of gastronomy tourism to preserve unique culture and create opportunities for rural communities.   

At the same time, our celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship makes clear that this restart offers the opportunity to reimagine not only how we travel, but how tourism can help build a better future for people and planet.

UNWTO Secretary-General
Zurab Pololikashvili

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