The UNWTO has published a set of recommendations calling for urgent support for the global tourism industry.
The recommendations have been made by the Global Tourism Crisis Committee, and have been designed to support governments, the private sector and the international community overcome challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis.
The 23 recommendations fall into three categories: managing the crisis and mitigating the impact; providing stimulus and accelerating recovery; and preparing for tomorrow.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary general, said: “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.
Mitigating the impact on employment and liquidity, protecting the most vulnerable and preparing for recovery, must be our key priorities.”
He added: “We still do not know what the full impact of COVID-19 will be on global tourism. 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.”
“For tourism to fulfil its potential to help societies and whole countries recover from this crisis, our response needs to be quick, consistent, united and ambitious”.