40% of tourism destinations have eased travel restrictions, says UNWTO

INTERNATIONAL. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has said that 40% of all destinations worldwide have now eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to COVID-19.

The agency’s latest outlook, recorded on 19 July, is up from 22% of destinations that had eased restrictions on travel by 15 June and the 3% previously observed by 15 May. It confirms the trend of a “slow but continuous adaptation and responsible restart of international tourism,” said the UNWTO.

The status of travel restrictions by type around the world as of 19 July, according to the UNWTO

Of the 87 destinations that have now eased travel restrictions, just four have completely lifted all restrictions, while 83 have eased them while keeping some measures such as the partial closure of borders in place. Some 115 destinations (53% of all destinations worldwide) continue to keep their borders completely closed for tourism. Of these, 88 have been closed for over 12 weeks.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The restart of tourism can be undertaken responsibly and in a way that safeguards public health while also supporting businesses and livelihoods. As destinations continue to ease restrictions on travel, international cooperation is of paramount importance. This way, global tourism can gain people’s trust and confidence, essential foundations as we work together to adapt to the new reality we now face.”

The easing of restrictions comes in multiple forms, notes the UNWTO, which can result in confusion and deter potential travellers

According to the UNWTO report, destinations with a higher dependency on tourism are more likely to be easing restrictions on travel: Of the 87 destinations that have eased restrictions recently, 20 are Small Island Developing States (SIDS), many of which depend on tourism as a central pillar of employment, economic growth and development. The report also shows that around half (41) of all those destinations that have eased restrictions are in Europe, confirming the leading role of the region for the responsible restart of tourism.

The cost related to the travel restrictions introduced in response to COVID-19 has “historic dimensions” said the UNWTO. By the end of May, as reported, the pandemic had led to US$320 billion in lost revenues, already three times the cost of the 2009 global economic crisis.

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