UN Tourism News - #12 - Coronavirus Special Edition - 15 May 2020

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15 May 20

UNWTO Secretary-General calls for tourism as a key role in spreading trust more widely, with benefits traveling far beyond tourism itself.

Latest findings

Tourist Numbers Could Fall 60-80% in 2020

UNWTO has set out three possible scenarios for the months ahead, depending on when travel restrictions are lifted. As well as making clear the possible impact on global tourist arrivals, the scenarios also point to the possible impact on economies and on tourism jobs worldwide.

World Tourism Remains At a Standstill as 100% of Countries Impose Restrictions on Travel

100% of Destinations Maintain Restrictions on Travel

Updated research from UNWTO shows that the tourism remains at a standstill, with 72% of global destinations having completely closed their borders to international visitors.

How Covid-19 is changing our world - in numbers

UNWTO has been collaborating with fellow UN agencies to provide accurate statistics on the impact of COVID-19 and to show how tourism has been particularly badly hit.

Recovery

New Technical Assistance Package to Accelerate Recovery

A new package of Technical Assistance has been launched to help UNWTO’s Member States in their response to COVID-19. The package covers everything from economic recovery, marketing and promotion to institutional strengthening and resilience building.

UNWTO Recognizes World’s Best Innovators Facing Up To Covid-19

Nine finalists, chosen from a field of hundreds, presented their ideas at the Healing Solutions for Tourism Challenge. The initiative helped identify start-ups with ready-to-implement ideas to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Tourism Sector Stepping Up Support for Employees and Communities

Research from the World Committee on Tourism Ethics has found that businesses and trade associations are going beyond their normal CSR efforts to support employees and the communities in which they operate during these challenging times.

UNWTO Highlights

Iker Casillas named UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism

World Cup winner Iker Casillas has been named as the new UNWTO Special Ambassador for Responsible Tourism.

On our radar:

Goal of the Month, May 2020: Reduced Inequalities

UNWTO media highlights:

	Are Any Travel Destinations Not Under Coronavirus Restrictions?

	World Tourism Organization Offers Stunning — But Not Surprising — Fact About Travel Restrictions

	World tourism faces worst crisis since records began, says UNWTO

	EU could reopen borders to tourists in Covid-19 recovery plan

	Coronavirus and travel: Could this idea from Spain save Europe's summer holidays?

	Sun, Sea, Silence: Lack of Tourist Dollars Crushes Small Economies

	Asia Is Slowly Beginning to Reopen Travel. Here’s What the World Could Learn

Most Popular On Social Media:

	As people with disabilities are one of the most exposed groups to the risks of COVID-19, the tourism sector reinforces its inclusive response where accessibility and equal rights remain the pillars to build a better future for all. #TravelTomorrow

	An urgent appeal has been made to the international community to help #Africa's travel & tourism sector. Without funding #COVID19 could lead to the collapse of the sector & loss of millions of jobs. @UNWTO @WTTC @AfricanAirlines @AirlinesAssocof https://bit.ly/35DGK2B

	As one of the hardest hit sectors, tourism needs solid measures to come back strong and keep bringing opportunities and sustainable growth for millions across the globe. Our recovery package lays down the guidelines to face this socio-economic emergency.

	Of all destinations worlwide: 100% have COVID-19 related travel restrictions in place 156 have completely closed borders for international tourism This unmatched situation needs unmatched response for millions of jobs and livelihoods

	International tourist numbers could fall by 60-80% in 2020. To face the 3 possible scenarios #UNWTO identifies, tourism needs firm actions that ensure its recovery to keep building economies and societies that are more equal, sustainable and resilient.

	Our 2nd report on COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions shows: 100% of destinations have COVID-19 related travel restrictions; 49% Total or partial closing of borders; 30% Total or partial suspension of flights. Safety today so we can #traveltomorrow

	To face the 3 possible scenarios #UNWTO identifies, tourism needs firm actions that ensure its recovery to keep building economies and societies that are more equal, sustainable and resilient.

	Tourism's capacity to restore trust is key for the millions of companies and jobs in Europe whose livelihoods are at the edge of collapse. Facing downward scenarios, we praise European Commission commitment to defend everyone’s efforts to build a better future. #StrongerTogether #TravelTomorrow

	As one of the hardest hit sectors, tourism needs solid measures to come back strong and keep bringing opportunities and sustainable growth for millions across the globe. Our recovery package lays down the guidelines to face this unprecedented socio-economic emergency

	International tourist numbers could fall by 60-80% in 2020. To face the 3 posible scenarios #UNWTO identifies, tourism needs firm actions that ensure its recovery to keep building economies and societies that are more equal, sustainable and resilient.

	#UNWTO's 2nd report on COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions is out! Key takeaways: 100% of destinations have COVID-19 related travel restrictions. 49% Total or partial closing of borders. 30% Total or partial suspension of flights.

	New report in #UNWTO's e-library! Find high-quality examples of good practices in wildlife tourism that illustrate the breadth and importance of wildlife tourism across Asia and the Pacific. One more option for when we #TravelTomorrow

	#UNWTO’s #HealingSolutions challenge! +1000 disruptive ideas to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and directly target #SDGs! Thanks to all innovators for their solutions to achieve a solid recovery for when we #TravelTomorrow!

	Great success of #UNWTO’s #HealingSolutions challenge! +1000 disruptive ideas to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and directly target #SDGs! Thanks to all innovators for their solutions to achieve a solid recovery for when we #TravelTomorrow!