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As Tourism Restarts, Our Responsibilities Remain

As Tourism Restarts, Our Responsibilities Remain

Four months ago, UNWTO asked its Members, the tourism sector and tourists themselves for patience. To stay at home for today so we could travel again tomorrow.

Tomorrow is now here.

The restart of tourism means the return of hope and opportunity for many millions of people around the world.

This week, Europe leads the way in restarting tourism. Destinations throughout the Schengen Zone are once again open. The lifting of borders will have an immediate and significant impact on economies and livelihoods.

For Spain, host country of UNWTO, and neighbours Portugal, the occasion will be marked by a special ceremony. The presence of His Majesty King Felipe VI and President Pedro Sánchez of Spain alongside President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Antonio Costa of Portugal is testament to the significance of tourism’s restart for both countries.

So too is the practical support that tourism has received, including from the very highest political level. The European Commission has provided an unprecedented degree of economic support for the sector. And at the national level, has France has echoed our call to back tourism with actions and not just words, giving the sector and the businesses that make it the economic help they need to survive and lead recovery.

To reflect this, UNWTO is changing gears in how we support our Member States and tourism at large.

This week I resume person-to-person official meetings as I lead a delegation on an official visit to Italy and to the Vatican City. 

This is an opportunity to show our support for tourism and for a country that is not only a true global tourism leader, but which was one of the worst-affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in all of Europe.

Our visit to Italy will allow us to learn more about important steps being taken to make tourism more sustainable, more resilient and more innovative. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate what makes tourism: people.

This will be the first of a series of visits as the world steadily opens up again, allowing us to lead by example in supporting tourism and making our sector a vital tool for recovery.

At the same time, it is only right that we remain cautious. This crisis is far from over. In other regions of the world, borders remain closed to tourism and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread. The human toll, economic cost and social impact are still growing. This is no time for complacency.

And even where the worst appears to have passed, the threat of the pandemic returning means we must act responsibly and make public health our priority.

During these difficult months, tourism has stepped up to meet this unprecedented challenge with determination and an unparalleled spirit of solidarity. We carry this into the next stage.

Tourism’s restart is a step towards ending many weeks of uncertainty and replace it with a renewed sense of confidence. As we meet in person again, we can build trust, the essential foundation as we work together to grow back stronger and better. But this will only work out, if we act with responsibility – it’s better to be right, than to be first.

Zurab Pololikashvili,
UNWTO Secretary-General

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Small Island Destinations

Small Island Destinations in Critical Need of Urgent Support as Tourism Plunges, UNWTO Warns

Without strong support, the sudden and unexpected fall in tourism could devastate the economies of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has warned. Since tourism is a strong socio-economic pillar of many SIDS, the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector places millions of jobs and businesses at risk, with women and informal workers the most vulnerable.

In the second of its Briefing Note series on Tourism and COVID-19, UNWTO has highlighted the severe impact the pandemic could have on livelihoods in these destinations. According to the latest data from the United Nations specialized agency, tourism accounts for more than 30% of total exports in the majority of the 38 SIDS. In some countries, this proportion is as high as 90%, making them especially vulnerable to falling tourist numbers.

Such a major shock translates into a massive loss of jobs and a sharp decline in foreign exchange and tax revenues, which curbs public spending capacity and the ability to deploy necessary measures to support livelihoods through the crisis, UNWTO further warns.

International Tourists dropped 47% in the first four months  

International tourist arrivals have fallen dramatically, and destinations that rely on the sector for jobs and economic wellbeing such as small islands will be hit the hardest

In 2019, SIDS welcomed some 44 million international tourist arrivals and the sector earned US$55 billion in export revenues. International tourist arrivals were down 47% in the first four months of this year. 

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption. International tourist arrivals have fallen dramatically, and destinations that rely on the sector for jobs and economic wellbeing such as small islands will be hit the hardest. As such, measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on these states and to stimulate the recovery of tourism are now more critical than ever.”

Informal workers and women at greatest risk

The United Nations estimates that SIDS economies could shrink by 4.7% in 2020 as compared to 3% for the world economy.

The UNWTO Briefing Note also highlights the risk posed to those working in the informal economy by the sudden fall in tourist arrivals in SIDS. As a sector, tourism is a leading global employer and, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), more than half of all workers in the accommodation and food services sector in most SIDS reporting data are women. In many, this proportion is even higher, including in Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago (70%+).

At the same time, workers in the informal economy are at risk of falling into poverty as the impact of COVID-19 is felt in SIDS and other low- and middle-income countries worldwide, UNWTO also warns.

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EBRD and UNWTO Partner to Boost Tourism Recovery

EBRD and UNWTO Partner to Boost Tourism Recovery

  • EBRD and UNWTO to boost recovery of the tourism sector
  • More than 10 countries to be included in the plans
  • Actions include safety and hygiene protocols and incentive plans to revive demand

The rapid spread of coronavirus has had a massive impact on many sectors of the global economy, with tourism being among the hardest hit. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) are joining forces to boost the recovery of the tourism sector across the 38 economies where the Bank invests.

According to analysis by UNWTO, all worldwide destinations introduced restrictions on travel in response to Covid-19 ꟷ an unprecedented act. While some destinations are starting to ease restrictions, the crisis is far from over and this lockdown has led to a massive fall in international tourist arrivals.

In light of such unprecedented events, the EBRD and UNWTO have agreed to take immediate action to facilitate the recovery of tourism. The support is currently envisaged for a number of countries, including Albania, Armenia, Croatia, Egypt, Georgia, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

The immediate response was designed along the three pillars of the UNWTO’s Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package. It includes measurement of the impact of Covid-19, recovery plans with incentives to revive the tourism sector, protocols to ensure the enhanced safety, hygiene and security of tourists and employees, marketing of measures that can boost tourism demand, capacity-building for tourism officials and training for tourism sector enterprises in adopting the new protocols. A key element is to preserve human capital as well as to adapt and strengthen inclusion.

The two organisations are longstanding partners and signed a first Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in 2015, which they renewed in 2019.

This cooperation expands the existing partnership and builds on the UNWTO’s recently adopted Covid-19 Tourism Recovery Technical Assistance Package, which includes three pillars through which the organisation plans to assist the sector: 1) economic recovery, 2) marketing and promotion and 3) institutional strengthening and the building of resilience.

The EBRD is committing all of its activity in 2020-21 to helping its regions counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with investment expected to reach up to €21 billion. The Bank will target all sectors of the economy, including tourism and hospitality which were particularly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

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UNWTO Welcomes New App Designed to Facilitate Safe and Secure Border Crossings

UNWTO Welcomes New App Designed to Facilitate Safe and Secure Border Crossings

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has partnered with Wanderlust World for the launch of a new App designed to facilitate safe and seamless travel in the wake of COVID-19.

As many countries around the world begin to ease travel restrictions introduced in response to the pandemic, the United Nations specialized agency has welcomed the responsible restarting of the sector. At the same time, UNWTO has stressed the importance of maintaining trust in tourism in these uncertain times.

The restart of tourism must be managed cautiously and responsibly, with public health the primary concern, and making full use of innovation

The new WORLD TOURIST IDENTIFICATION App is one of many solutions developed to meet the new demands of both tourists and destinations, and one of a number of initiatives UNWTO is working alongside to drive tourism’s recovery. The App allows tourists to carry digital copies of key documents in one place. This will make identification of tourist arrivals easier, quicker and safer. The app is also designed to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The restart of tourism brings opportunity for millions, especially those whose livelihoods are dependent on the sector. This restart must be managed cautiously and responsibly, with public health the primary concern, and making full use of innovation. The WORLD TOURIST IDENTIFICATION app promises to facilitate travel across international borders, promoting trust and building confidence in tourism, essential foundations for the sector’s recovery.”

Since the start of the current crisis, UNWTO has been promoting the power of innovation to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and to prepare the sector to recover better and stronger, such as the UNWTO Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge which attracted more than 1,000 applications from innovators and entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries.

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Restrictions on Travel

Restrictions on Travel Easing as Europe Leads Cautious Restart of Tourism

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.

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

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

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.

Fall of 97% in international tourist arrivals

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.

UNWTO set out three possible scenarios

 

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

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

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.

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UNWTO Builds Key Corporate Partnerships at UNGC Leaders Summit 2020

UNWTO Builds Key Corporate Partnerships at UNGC Leaders Summit 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.

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Allied for Action

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

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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