Fall in tourism export revenues 'could slash global GDP by 2.8%'

That’s the call of the UN secretary-general, as part of the wider UN response to Covid-19.

Antonio Guterres has released a “Tourism and Covid-19” brief on the impact the pandemic has had on tourism.

Drawing on the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it warns that as many as 100 million direct tourism jobs are at risk, and the massive drop in export revenues from tourism could reduce global GDP by as much as 2.8%.

The brief stresses that tourism is an essential pillar of the SDGs and the most vulnerable workers and nations at greatest risk.

The brief from Guterres makes clear the impact that the pandemic has had on global tourism and how this affects everything from jobs and economies to wildlife conservation and the protection of cultural heritage.

“It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector in a safe, equitable and climate friendly manner and so ensure tourism regains its position as a provider of decent jobs, stable incomes and the protection of our cultural and natural heritage,” he said.

He further underscored that tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors, providing “livelihoods to hundreds of millions more”, while it “boosts economies and enables countries to thrive”, and at the same time allowing “people to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity”.