World tourism remains at a standstill as 100% of countries impose restrictions on travel

COVID-19 has placed the whole world on lockdown, with new research from the World Tourism Organization showing that 100% of global destinations continue to have restrictions on travel in place, and 72% have completely closed their borders to international tourism. From the start of the crisis, the United Nations specialized agency for tourism has been tracking responses to the pandemic. This latest research shows that while discussions on possible first measures for lifting restrictions are underway, 100% of destinations worldwide still have COVID-19 related travel restrictions for international tourists in place. Out of all 217 destinations worldwide, 156 (72%) have placed a complete stop on international tourism according to the data collected as of 27 April 2020. In 25% of destinations, restrictions have been in place for at least three months, while in 40% of destinations,...
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100% of global destinations now have covid-19 travel restrictions, unwto reports

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted all destinations worldwide to introduce restrictions on travel, research by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has found. This represents the most severe restriction on international travel in history and no country has so far lifted restrictions introduced in response to the crisis. Following up on previous research, the latest data from the United Nations specialized agency for tourism shows that 100% of destinations now have restrictions in place. Of these, 83% have had COVID-19-related restrictions in place already for four or more weeks and, as of 20 April, so far no destination has lifted them. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has shown its commitment to putting people first. Our sector can also lead the way in driving recovery. This research on global travel restrictions will help...
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Coronavirus: EU supports the recovery of the tourism sector

The Commission is supporting Member States as they deal with the impact of the coronavirus on the tourism sector. At a videoconference yesterday, EU Ministers discussed the implications of the coronavirus outbreak on the tourism industry, mitigating measures and the recovery strategy for the tourism ecosystem, which is one of the most damaged by the crisis. The Commission presented the measures already taken to support the sector as well as the planning for a common EU response for the recovery of the tourism ecosystem. In this regard, the Commission will be proposing measures to further help the sector, ahead of the summer season. Among these measures, the Commission is considering protocols which should guide safe operation of tourism facilities across the EU. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, stated: "We will need unprecedented funds to overcome this crisis....
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Tourism in COVID-19 crisis: MEPs demand clear action plan to help the sector

Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee urges the Commission to come up with a European action plan to help the tourism sector to overcome the crisis. MEPs reiterated, in a debate with Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, that the tourism sector needs more support in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis through specific measures, funding, increased EU-level coordination and a targeted roadmap. The demand for a sector-specific recovery plan and strategy was echoed across the political spectrum. Protecting the tourism sector Commissioner Breton acknowledged that tourism was the first sector hit by the coronavirus and it is likely to be the slowest to recover from the crisis. “We have to come up with a strong response,” explained Breton. “Tourism is our priority and we are trying to do as much as we can with the existing funds.” Beyond providing...
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