The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released a set of recommendations to call for urgent support to help the global tourism industry to recover from the major negative impact by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recommendations were drafted by the Global Tourism Crisis Committee established by UNWTO, and which consists of high-level representatives from across the tourism industry and from within the wider United Nations system.
“These specific recommendations give countries a check-list of possible measures to help our sector sustain the jobs and support the companies at risk at this very moment,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili.
“Mitigating the impact on employment and liquidity, protecting the most vulnerable and preparing for recovery must be our key priorities.”
The recommendations are designed to support governments, the private sector and the international community in navigating the unparalleled social and economic emergency of COVID-19. Recognising the diverse realities in each country as well as the evolving nature of this crisis, the document will continue to be updated.
“We still do not know what the full impact of COVID-19 will be on global tourism,” said Pololikashvili.
“However, we must support the sector now while we prepare for it to come back stronger and more sustainable. Recovery plans and programmes for tourism will translate into jobs and economic growth.”
The Recommendations for Action are the first comprehensive set of actions governments and the private sector can take now and in the challenging months ahead.
This new guide provides 23 actionable recommendations, divided into three key areas:
- Managing the Crisis and Mitigating the Impact
- Providing Stimulus and Accelerating Recovery
- Preparing for Tomorrow
Pololikashvili stressed that for tourism to fulfil its potential to help societies and entire countries to recover from this crisis, the response needed to be quick, consistent, united and ambitious.
