Covid19 and transforming tourism

Apulia. Italy

Rome [ENA] This week the United Nations Secretary-General launched the Policy Brief “COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism”, which UNWTO assumed the lead role in producing. In fact, tourism brings us together, but travel restrictions keep us apart. More importantly, restrictions on travel also prevent tourism from delivering on its potential to build a better future for all. The report makes clear what is at stake – the threat of

losing tens of millions of direct tourism jobs, the loss of opportunities for those vulnerable populations and communities who stand to benefit most from tourism, and the real risk of losing vital resources for safeguarding natural and cultural heritage across the world. Tourism needs to flourish, and this means that travel restrictions must be eased or lifted in a well timed and responsible manner. Policy decisions need to be coordinated across borders to deal with a challenge which does not care about borders! “COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism” is a further element in the roadmap for the sector to regain its unique status as a source of hope and opportunity for all.

This is true for both developing and developed nations, and all governments and international organizations have interest in supporting tourism. Governments have to back up strong words with equally strong actions . As destinations open up again, UNWTO is showing support to learn and to build confidence in international travel. On the back of successful visits to destinations in Europe, UNWTO delegations are now seeing first-hand how the Middle East is ready to restart tourism safely and responsibly. In Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his government made clear how strong, targeted support, has saved jobs and allowed tourism to weather this unprecedented storm.

Now iconic sites such as the Pyramids are ready to welcome back tourists, with the safety of both tourism workers and tourists themselves a priority. Similarly, the government of Saudi Arabia has warmly welcomed UNWTO and expressed a firm commitment to continue building the Kingdom’s tourism sector, first for domestic visitors and then international visitors. The pandemic is far from over. As cases across the world make clear, it is crucial to act fast to save lives. But it is now also clear that it is decisive to take action to protect jobs and safeguard the many benefits tourism delivers, both for people and planet.

Italy’s tourism started for the summer season. It is possible to move freely within the whole country and use any normal service: museums and cultural centers, hotels, bars and restaurants have opened their doors; airports, railway stations and transport services are operational; campsites, mountain huts and beach resorts have made arrangements to safely welcome travelers.