TOURISM AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

[Ronald Jetra]

TOURISM AND CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

The outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 presents the tourism sector with a major and evolving challenge.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has strengthened its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The two UN agencies met in Geneva to further advance a coordinated response to COVID-19.
UNWTO calls for solid international leadership and for tourism to be included as a priority in future recovery efforts.
UNWTO also calls upon the sector and travelers to address this challenge with sound judgment and proportionate measures.
Tourism is currently one of the most affected sectors and UNWTO has revised its 2020 forecast for international arrivals and receipts, though emphasizes that such any predictions are likely to be further revised.
Against a backdrop of travel restrictions being introduced, UNWTO underscores the importance of international dialogue and cooperation and emphasizes the COVID-19 challenge also represents an opportunity to show how solidarity can go beyond borders.
The tourism sector, like no other economic activity with social impact, is based on interaction amongst people. UNWTO has been guiding the tourism sector's response on several levels:

By cooperating closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the lead UN agency for the management of this outbreak;
by ensuring with WHO that health measures are implemented in ways that minimize unnecessary impact on international travel and trade;
by standing in solidarity with affected countries; and
by emphasizing tourism's proven resilience and by standing ready to support recovery.

UNWTO continues to coordinate closely with WHO and other United Nations agencies, and UNWTO's Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili maintains regular contact with governments and tourism sector leaders.

Source: https://www.unwto.org/tourism-covid-19-coronavirus