How Much Has Tourism Dropped?

By Anna Duncan

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry has taken a significant hit. The virus has spread rapidly across the globe, leading to strict travel restrictions and border closures in many countries. As a result, tourism has dropped dramatically, causing widespread economic damage for industries that rely heavily on tourism.

How Much Has Tourism Dropped?

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals dropped by 72% in 2020 compared to 2019. This decline is equivalent to a loss of around 1 billion international tourists and $1.3 trillion in export revenues from tourism.

The impact of COVID-19 on global tourism has been severe, with some regions experiencing more significant drops than others. Asia and the Pacific were among the hardest-hit regions, with a decline of 84% in international tourist arrivals in 2020. Europe saw a decrease of 70%, while Africa experienced a drop of 69%.

The Reasons Behind The Drop In Tourism

The decrease in tourism can be attributed to several factors, including:

  • Travel Restrictions: Governments worldwide implemented travel restrictions and border closures to control the spread of COVID-19. These measures have made it difficult for tourists to visit other countries.
  • Fear Of Infection: The fear of contracting COVID-19 has deterred many people from traveling internationally.
  • Closure Of Tourist Attractions: Many popular tourist attractions closed during lockdowns or are operating at reduced capacity.
  • Lack Of Travel Opportunities: With many airlines reducing their schedules or canceling flights altogether, it has become challenging for people to travel.

The Effects Of The Drop In Tourism

The decline in tourism has had far-reaching effects on various sectors globally.

  • Employment: The tourism industry is one of the largest employers globally. The drop in tourism has resulted in job losses for millions of people worldwide.
  • Economy: Tourism is a significant contributor to the global economy. The decline in tourism has led to a decrease in revenue for many businesses, especially those that rely heavily on tourism.
  • Environment: With fewer tourists traveling, there has been a positive impact on the environment as there is less pollution and carbon emissions from travel.

The Future Of Tourism

The future of tourism remains uncertain, with many factors still beyond our control. However, with the rollout of vaccines worldwide and the easing of travel restrictions, there is hope that international travel will recover.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the global tourism industry. The decline in tourism has resulted in significant economic consequences for various sectors worldwide. While the future remains uncertain, we can only hope that international travel will return to normal soon with adequate safety measures in place.