Category: Latest Travel News

Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain, June 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has welcomed Mallorca’s Sustainable Tourism Observatory into its International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).

Mallorca, one of Europe’s top destinations for more than 70 years, welcoming millions of visitors every year, becomes the latest member of UNWTO’s global INSTO network. The Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory (STO) is a key new element of the island’s strategy to preserve the destination and assess how the sector affects the natural environment, economy, and residents.

The Observatory will systematically monitor the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism and so facilitate evidence-based decision making. Key objectives for the island’s tourism sector include promoting a circular economy within hospitality, reducing the overall carbon footprint, and promoting local gastronomy to enhance Mallorca’s reputation and increases its appeal.

As a mature destination, the Observatory’s work will generate more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impacts that tourism has on the destination

Commenting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We warmly welcome the Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory into our global network of observatories. As a mature destination, the Observatory’s work will generate more and better evidence of the economic, environmental and social impacts that tourism has on the destination. This will further facilitate the decision-making process and ensure that tourism can continue to be a tool for sustainable development.”

Catalina Cladera Crespí, President of the Consell de Mallorca said “The Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory will play a fundamental role in monitoring and dealing with issues like job creation and sustainable production and consumption, public health and safety and security, human rights, quality education and inequalities. Being part of UNWTO’s global network of observatories will help Mallorca become a more dynamic, attractive and sustainable destination.”

The Mallorca Sustainable Tourism Observatory is managed by the Fundación Mallorca Turismo, part of Mallorca´s Island Council and is supported by the local and national Spanish public and private sector. This is the third Observatory in Spain, following on from the inclusion of the Navarre and Canary Islands Tourism Observatory into INSTO, and brings the worldwide total to 31.

About INSTO

The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created in 2004 with the main objectives of supporting the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and to connect dedicated destinations, helping them to exchange and improve knowledge and understanding about destination-wide resource use and the responsible management of tourism.

Madrid, Spain, June 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO is inviting public and private stakeholders from around the world to take part in a Global Survey of Climate Action in Tourism and help identify front-running initiatives and opportunities to accelerate climate action in tourism.

Launched on World Environment Day, the survey aims to support the ongoing efforts of the sector to reduce its environmental impacts and carbon emissions, as well as to strengthen its capacity to adapt to a changing climate.

In May, the Tourism Ministers of the G20 nations stressed the need to rethink tourism and shape a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive sector. They also committed to take action and to promote such a green transformation.  The UNWTO  Recommendations for the Transition to a Green Travel and Tourism Economy, welcomed by the G20 Tourism Ministers, highlighted the need to transform tourism operations for climate action. Otherwise, emissions from global tourism could rise by at least 25% by 2030, as estimated in the latest research carried out by UNWTO and ITF.

The green transformation of the sector is needed, not just for the planet, but also for tourism itself, boosting competitiveness and increasing resilience

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The pandemic and its impact on tourism, jobs and revenues, offers an unprecedented reminder of the need to re-balance our relationship with people, planet and prosperity. The green transformation of the sector is needed, not just for the planet, but also for tourism itself, boosting competitiveness and increasing resilience.”

The Global Survey is part of the preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 and the results will be presented in November 2021 in Glasgow. It has been developed within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme.

The survey is open until 15 July 2021 and destinations, businesses and tourism associations are all invited to take part. Please find more information on the survey here

London, United Kingdom, June 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President WTTC, said: “The World Travel & Tourism Council shares the huge disappointment of Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country, as well as that of holidaymakers, that the government has once again cold-shouldered Travel & Tourism by refusing to add any new destinations to the meagre green list.

“There are so many countries with similar vaccination levels and low infection rates as the UK to which travel should be restored immediately, such as the US and Malta.

“It is essential we kick-start the return of international travel to save the flailing aviation industry and the global Travel & Tourism sector.

“If Portugal has been dropped into the amber list, it will crush the confidence to travel, depress forward bookings and send ripples of worry through travel agents everywhere.

“WTTC believes the time is now right for the UK to open the doors to safe travel and allow all those who are fully vaccinated or can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, to travel freely.”

Bangkok, Thailand, June 7, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the announcements by the Thai Prime Minister and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to reopen Phuket and to allow vaccinated foreign tourists to visit the island without quarantine from 1st July 2021, Travelindex has announced the launch of its first “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket,” in time for the island’s reopening.

This unique Phuket restaurant guide, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), will be integrated into the internationally acclaimed “Top 25 Restaurants Asia Series,” contributing to highlight the charm of Phuket as a gastronomy destination and helping local restaurants to attract again patrons and food lovers, at no costs to them.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said “This initiative by Travelindex is a really exciting activity to highlight the best Phuket has to offer in terms of food and restaurants. Phuket has such a unique culinary identity because it has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries. It is also a destination not only for travelers from all over the world, but for talented and acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs to display their skills. Top 25 Restaurants Phuket will indeed be an indispensable source of information for those wishing to eat the best food and have the best time dining out in the province.”

Top25Restaurants.com is celebrating fine dining in cities across Asia, highlighting in each city its the culinary dynamism, as well as new trends and chefs supporting local community products. Top 25 Restaurants contributes to the prestige of the local dining scene and, with the integration into the Travelindex global ecosystem, contributes to attract more visitors and tourists to cities and countries.

“We believe that our restaurant guide will contribute to foster the image of Phuket as a prime regional gastronomy destination and help restaurants on the island gain more visibility and, once more, attract international guests,” said Bernard Metzger, Publisher of Top25Restaurants Guide series.

He added; “The hospitality and the restaurant sectors in Phuket have been hard hit by the pandemic, which has led to some permanent restaurant closures. Travelindex Group and Top25Restaurants.com are committed to support the local gastronomy sector and promote Phuket as a gourmet heaven to attract more fine dining lovers by launching this “Top 25 Restaurants Guide Phuket.”

The Phuket Sandbox is the first phase of a nationwide strategy to reopen Thailand to overseas travellers, with additional destinations expected to follow suit in the coming months. The first guests expected to arrive will be from traditional long-haul European markets, such as the U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia. They will be able to enter the island without the need to quarantine, as long as they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. After 14 nights in Phuket, visitors are free to travel wherever they want in Thailand.

Restaurants in Phuket can feature at no costs in the “Top 25 Restaurants Phuket” guide by filling out the submission form here:

Tourism Authority of Thailand
International Public Relations Division
1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Email: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Website: www.TATnews.org

Top 25 Restaurants International
Media Contact
Ms. Nicole Lim, Media Relations
Tel. +852 6236 9854
Email: media@top25restaurants.com
Web: www.top25restaurants.com/phuket/

Illustration photo by Mikk Tõnissoo on Unsplash.

Bilbao, Spain, June 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Food 4 Future and Expo Food Tech 2021 will reunite in Bilbao 5,000 food and beverages industry leaders, coming from more than 20 countries. The event will take place in the Basquian city of Bilbao from June 15th to 17th at the BEC-Bilbao Exhibition Centre. “Food 4 Future is an event specially designed for the industry, with the support of more than 170 global business organizations from different countries, in order to help companies and top leaders to face the upcoming challenges of the next decade for the food chain” stated Albert Planas, CEO of Food 4 Future, during the press conference at the BEC-Bilbao Exhibition Centre. “The foodtech industry is strategic for Western countries, and here we have a great opportunity to lead the revolution in the sector,” he concluded.

• See the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

“This event is a great opportunity for the Bilbao Exhibition Center and for the whole region” said Arantxa Tapia, Councillor of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment of the Basque Government; who remarked that the Basque Country “has positioned itself at an international level as a reference for gastronomy and that it is time to take this advantage to boost innovation and digitalization of the food industry”.

The Basque government also pointed out that in addition to the huge gastronomy potential, the Basque Country offers innovation within the entire food value chain, with representation of entities such as Neiker in agritech research, AZTI on foodtech and the Basque Culinary Centre in the gastronomic side; as well as the Southern headquarters of EIT Food, the food cluster or HAZI.

Food 4 Future is also supported by the Bilbao City Council. Xabier Ochandiano, Councillor for Economic Development, Trade and Employment of the Bilbao City Council highlighted that “Food 4 Future-Expofoodtech 2021 will be the reactivation of the professional events sector in Bilbao after long time with no congress activity. Events like this one, which will reunite referents of the food and beverage industry in our city, give us again an international dimension of Bilbao as a city that retains and promotes talent, as well as showing how innovative and committed to Industry 4.0 is”.

Food 4 Future, co-organized by NEBEXT and AZTI, will count with more than 200 exhibiting firms that will be presenting their most innovative solutions, equipment, technology and projects; along with 280 international experts in biotechnology, food science and safety, digitalization, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Automation and Robotics.

Among all firms and innovative startups, EIT Food is one of the Food 4 Future strategic partner, the Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, working to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted. “We support and believe in initiatives that connect all the stakeholders of the agri-food sector. Focusing on innovation and the creation of new ideas and projects is part of our DNA. We will provide Food 4 Future with a global and European vision, and we will represent the link between consumers and the market. In addition, the collaboration between the EIT Food Innovation Forum and F4F will present the trends that will transform the sector in the coming years and the latest news from targeted nutrition ”, pointed out Begoña Pérez Villarreal, EIT Food CLC South Managing Director.

i-Tokyo University of Japan, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Sigma, Bonduelle, Coca-Cola or Danone will present their industrial transformation projects in Bilbao

During three days the event is gathering 300 international speakers and more than 56 conferences to show the key drivers to face the current challenges within the food industry. An agenda that will be focused around 3 main topics: digitalization, sustainability and healthy food.

Professor Adrian David Cheok, a member of the Order of Australia and professor at i-Tokyo University in Japan, will discuss how to successfully address the digitalization of the food and beverage industry. Cheok is specialized in research on multisensory Internet communication and human-computer interfaces.

Pere Puigdomènech, research professor at Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) at the Centro de Investigación en Agrigenómica (CRAG), will address sustainability in current business models. This expert is specialized in plant molecular biology, as well as in the field of safety when it comes to consumption of transgenic vegetables.

• See the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Another key topic in Food 4 Future will be healthy eating, where José María Ordovás, professor at Tufts University, specialized in nutrition and one of the pioneers and world’s leading specialists in nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics will be one of the top speakers, as well as Dipika Matthias, director of The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In conclusion, exhibitions, panels and case studies on digitalization, the search for new business models, efficiency of the entire value chain, sustainability or product innovation are some of the many activities that will take place at BEC during this first three-day edition. In addition, the Food 4 Future agenda will be completed with an exhibition of technological solutions related to industry automation, robotics, food packaging and food processing technology, as well as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IIOT, Cybersecurity, or Cloud.

Valletta, Malta, June 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / On World Environment Day, SUN Malta announced its Climate Friendly Travel to Zero flagship initiative, aligned with the UN Race to Zero. Based on the latest science, a 2050 target of Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) is the minimum ultimately needed to beat the existential Climate Crisis.  By advocating a Zero GHG 2050 target we take the direct line to the UN Paris 1.5 goal. Starting now.

However, recognizing net carbon neutral is today’s norm, within the SUN^x Malta Climate Friendly Travel to Zero framework, we will work with companies and communities via our CFT Registry and through Strong Climate Champions, to help them develop Sustainability and Climate Plans that transform over time from Net Zero Carbon to Absolute Zero GHG.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman said: “Science tells us we have almost reached 1.2^o towards the Paris Agreement’s targets today and are heading for 3-5^o increase by 2050. That would be an existential catastrophe, with weather extremes leading to intensifying fires, floods, droughts, and climate refugees. 

At SUN^x Malta, we are taking the high ground in support of science. We strongly believe that Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) – Low Carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5^o, is the best way for Travel & Tourism to get on board the UN 2030/2050 Roadmap for a green and clean future for our kids. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for all post pandemic Tourism to be sustainable and Climate Friendly. CFT will help deliver that.

Climate Friendly Travel to Zero adds another dimension: targeting Zero Greenhouse Gases by 2050, is a gold standard to ensure that we Bend Our Trend of emissions as rapidly as needed to match the science.

However, as Net Carbon Neutral measures are what the international community is currently using for transition, we clearly will follow this framework, but very conscious it is unlikely to be enough to reach our 2050 goal of 1.5 degrees. Our new initiative will be a constant strategic reminder of the gap between marketplace and science.

Travel & Tourism Stakeholders, like the rest of society, must journey along various intensifying paths from where they are today, if our sector is to play its part in the global transformation. Individually, every company and community must chart its unique course. Collectively we must be in the same place by 2050.

Watch the video here.

About SUN^x Malta
SUN^x Malta is a not for profit, EU based, organisation, partnered with the government of Malta that has created a unique, low cost, system to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the New Climate Economy. The SUN^x Malta “Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System” is Action and Education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their proclaimed ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the sector.

Athens, Greece, June 6, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO is to collaborate with the Greek Ministry of Tourism in establishing a first research station dedicated to measuring the sustainable development of coastal and maritime tourism across the Mediterranean.

The new monitoring centre will be based at the University of the Aegean in Greece. From here, experts will capture and collate measurement data and analysis relating to the environmental, economic, and social impact of tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Coastal and Maritime tourism is one of the most important economic drivers within the Mediterranean basin. This new research centre can provide key data to guide the restart and future development of the sector, ensuring it fulfils its potential to provide opportunity for coastal communities and to protect and celebrate natural and cultural heritage.”

Coastal and Maritime tourism is one of the most important economic drivers within the Mediterranean basin

The United Nations specialized agency and the Ministry of Tourism confirmed their collaboration on the initiative during the UNWTO High-Level Conference on Coastal and Maritime Tourism, held in Athens and co-hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Celebrity Cruises.

The Tourism Minister of Greece Harry Theoharis said: “I express my immense gratitude for UNWTO’s support in this endeavour. The Research Center will soon become a reference point for the study and protection of our coasts and seas.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, Global Chairman of CLIA and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises added: “CLIA is pleased to support the UNWTO research and monitoring centre on sustainability and coastal maritime tourism in the Mediterranean. As part of the cruise industry’s commitment to responsible travel, we are pursuing carbon neutral cruising in Europe by 2050, and we work closely with cruise destinations and coastal communities to support economic growth in a sustainable manner.

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, June 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Avani Hotels announces the opening of Avani Seminyak Resort in Bali, the brand’s first property in Indonesia. Centrally located in the heart of Seminyak, the resort is just a short walk away from the area’s stylish beach hub and renowned nightlife. With 21 brand new residence-style accommodations and 16 private pool villas, visitors will have the ideal stay, no matter how long their Bali journey.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Bali, It’s Happening in Bali, go to VisitBali.org

Seminyak attracts travellers from near and far. This lively area, brimming with creative energy from inspiring art galleries to stylish restaurants and trendsetting bars, is just steps from the resort. Avani Seminyak is also only 10 minutes’ walk to the renowned surf of Seminyak beach, 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), and approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the Balinese mountain town of Ubud.

Foodie travellers inspired by Instagram can follow to learn of local hotspots curated by AvaniMe resident influencers who share their favourite hangouts. Kick back and soak up the Balinese vibes at Plant Cartel for 100% natural plant delights, Cabina Bali for a floating brunch or Mad Pops Bali for sustainably delicious frozen treats.

After exploring all Bali has to offer, Avani Seminyak is the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Every bright and spacious villa and residence is accentuated with breezy beachy tones, designed to foster a welcoming laidback island atmosphere.

Guests will feel at home with private kitchen and dining areas in addition to signature Avani amenities. At the same time, the private pool villas are 150 sqm of spaciousness, perfect for friends and families to enjoy. Last but not least, the suite residences boast open-air terraces and range from simple studios to larger multi-bedroom units with pool access.

Avani Seminyak prides itself on a menu centred around carefully sourced ingredients from the islands to ensure sustainability. Enjoy Indonesian and international dishes at GROOVE restaurant as well as learning to create Bali’s traditional cuisine at the community cooking classes. Guests looking to keep fit can work up a sweat at the AvaniFit gym. Or complete laps at the secluded pool before simply relaxing in a pool-side cabana.

Avani Seminyak Bali Resort is opening with an introductory starting from USD 100 per room per night, inclusive of breakfast. For reservation, please call +62 361 737 908 or email seminyak.bali@avanihotels.com.

Avani Seminyak Bali Resort will join the brand’s rapidly growing collection of 33 properties around the globe, including the recently opened FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia, Avani Central Busan Hotel in South Korea, Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort and Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas in Thailand.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Bali, It’s Happening in Bali, go to VisitBali.org

About Avani Hotels & Resorts
Avani Hotels is designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort. Avani is an upbeat and contemporary hotel concept that delivers the perfect balance, with a focus on good sleep, designed social spaces, locally inspired sustenance and friendly service.

Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

Athens, Greece, June 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The European members of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have met in Athens to advance the safe and sustainable restart of tourism across the region. The 66th meeting of the Commission for Europe counted on an unprecedented level of member representation. It also enjoyed political support of the highest level, with the participation of Greek Prime Minister Kriakos Mitsotakis, and Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas.

The Commission met against the backdrop of the latest UNWTO data and perspectives on international tourism, and in the context of continued calls for coordination to #RestartTourism to support not only the sector but also wider economic and social recovery.

“Europe has the chance to lead the global restart of tourism, safely and responsibly”, said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The political support we are witnessing today is proof of tourism’s relevance beyond our own sector, building trust and getting societies and economies moving again,” he added.

The political support we are witnessing today is proof of tourism’s relevance beyond our own sector, building trust and getting societies and economies moving again

Resources and technical support

This was echoed by Prime Minister Kriakos Mitsotakis, who commended UNWTO’s leadership and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to direct resources towards restarting sustainable tourism. The Commission focused on the practical steps UNWTO is taking to guide the restart of tourism and support the millions of jobs and businesses across Europe that are reliant on the sector. This includes the strengthened partnership between UNWTO and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. As outlined during the meeting, the two institutions will work together to deliver technical assistance designed to drive economic recovery in several European countries, including Greece, as well as Croatia, Montenegro, Georgia, Tukey and Turkmenistan.

Leadership and recognition

Tourism’s importance to the European way of life was further recognized by the Vice President of the European Commission. Margaritis Schinas has previously participated in UNWTO’s Global Tourism Crisis Committee, representing the European Commission as governments and both public and private sector leaders jointly work to address the impacts of the pandemic on tourism and plan the coordinated restart of the sector.

Hosting and chairing the Commission, Minister of Tourism of Greece, Harry Theoharis underscored the country’s firm political and practical support for UNWTO and for global tourism from the very start of the crisis. Greece, one of the world’s top tourism destinations, has been an active member of UNWTO’s Global Tourism Crisis Committee from the start of the pandemic. As Chair of its Technical Group, Minister Theoharis has guided public and private sector leaders in drawing up practical solutions to the biggest challenges facing tourism, including harmonized protocols for the safe restart of the sector, not only in Europe but worldwide.

Cruise and maritime tourism

Under the Minister’s leadership, the Greek Ministry of Tourism announced the establishment of the first centre dedicated to measuring sustainable development of coastal and maritime tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the collaboration of UNWTO. The research and monitoring centre will be based at the University of the Aegean and will capture and analyse data relating to the environmental, economic, and social impact of tourism.

Elections and nominations

The meeting concluded with elections and nominations for positions within several UNWTO bodies. Five countries were nominated to represent Europe on the UNWTO Executive Council (Armenia, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Russian Federation). Alongside this, Hungary and Uzbekistan were nominated as candidates for the role of Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly, and Azerbaijan and Malta were nominated to serve as members of the Credentials Committee. Finally, Greece was nominated to serve as Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Europe, with Bulgaria and Hungary nominated for its two Vice-Chair positions. Members elected Armenia to hold the next meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe.

Madrid, Spain, June 5, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourist arrivals were down 83% in the first quarter of 2021 as widespread travel restrictions remained in place. However, the UNWTO Confidence Index shows signs of a slow uptick in confidence.

Between January and March 2021 destinations around the world welcomed 180 million fewer international arrivals compared to the first quarter of last year. Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the lowest levels of activity with a 94% drop in international arrivals over the three-month period. Europe recorded the second largest decline with -83%, followed by Africa (-81%), the Middle East (-78%) and the Americas (-71%). This all follows on from the 73% fall in worldwide international tourist arrivals recorded in 2020, making it the worst year on record for the sector.

Lack of coordination harms #RestartTourism

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili comments: “There is significant pent-up demand and we see confidence slowly returning. Vaccinations will be key for recovery, but we must improve coordination and communication while making testing easier and more affordable if we want to see a rebound for the summer season in the northern hemisphere.”

Vaccinations will be key for recovery, but we must improve coordination and communication while making testing easier and more affordable if we want to see a rebound for the summer season in the northern hemisphere.

The latest survey of the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts shows prospects for the May-August period improving slightly. Alongside this, the pace of the vaccination rollout in some key source markets as well as policies to restart tourism safely, most notably the EU Digital Green Certificate, have boosted hopes for a rebound in some of these markets.

Overall, 60% expect a rebound in international tourism only in 2022, up from 50% in the January 2021 survey. The remaining 40% see a potential rebound in 2021, though this is down slightly from the percentage in January. Nearly half of the experts do not see a return to 2019 international tourism levels before 2024 or later, while the percentage of respondents indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023 has somewhat decreased (37%), when compared to the January survey.

Tourism experts point to the continued imposition of travel restrictions and the lack of coordination in travel and health protocols as the main obstacle to the sector’s rebound.

The Impact of COVID on Tourism cuts global exports by 4%

The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows the economic toll of the pandemic. International tourism receipts in 2020 declined by 64% in real terms (local currencies, constant prices), equivalent to a drop of over US$ 900 billion, cutting the overall worldwide exports value by over 4% in 2020. The total loss in export revenues from international tourism (including passenger transport) amounts to nearly US$ 1.1 trillion. Asia and the Pacific (-70% in real terms) and the Middle East (-69%) saw the largest drops in receipts.