United Nations | The UN on Tuesday called for more cooperation and coordination among member states to limit the “devastating impact” of the pandemic on tourism, from which some countries derive most of their income.
“During the first five months of this year, the arrival in countries of foreign tourists has been reduced by more than half and about 320 billion dollars in tourism receipts have been lost”, noted in a statement the secretary general of the UN Antonio Guterres.
According to the United Nations, the loss in 2020 could exceed 900 billion dollars.
“In total, 120 million direct jobs are threatened”, particularly occupied by women and young people, warned Mr. Guterres, by publishing a booklet drawing up the inventory of the sector and containing several recommendations, including that of better coordination between States.
“The crisis is a major shock for developed economies, but for developing countries it is an emergency” to be responded to, “especially for many small island states and African countries,” observed the head of the UN.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, countries have often decided on unilateral measures to limit the progression of the disease, such as lockdowns, quarantines or access restrictions for foreigners, which have put a stop to stop at international tourism.
“Only collective action and international cooperation will be able” to relaunch the tourism sector on new sound bases, underlines the UN booklet.
“The travel restrictions in the world since mid-March have had a devastating impact on the tourism sector,” confirmed in an interview with some journalists Sandra Carvao of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
“One of the biggest challenges we face right now is the need for stronger collaboration between governments on these travel restrictions,” she added. “We need these countries to increase their cooperation” and “coordination”, insisted the UN official.