Asia Pacific tourism suffered most by COVID pandemic

Travel Biz News —

Asia Pacific was the region hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic according to the new annual Economic Trends Report of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The report reveals the full dramatic impact of travel restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 on the global economy, individual regions, and its job losses worldwide.

Asia-Pacific was the worst performing region, with the sector’s contribution to GDP dropping a damaging 53.7 per cent , compared to the global fall of 49.1 per cent .

International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4 per cent , as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1 per cent.

Travel and tourism employment in the region fell by 18.4 per cent, equating to a shocking 34.1 million jobs.

However, despite this decline, Asia-Pacific remained the largest region for the sector’s employment in 2020, accounting for 55 per cent (151 million) of all global travel and tourism jobs.

The report also revealed the European travel and tourism sector suffered the second biggest economic collapse last year due to continuing mobility restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.

Travel and tourism GDP in Africa dropped 49.2 per cent in 2020, in line with the global average, while travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP in the Middle East decreased significantly in 2020, dropping 51.1 per cent.

Despite a 42.4 per cent decline in travel tourism GDP in 2020, the Americas was the least affected major region globally.

The WTTC Economic Trends Report shows how the travel and tourism sector enables socio-economic development, job creation, and significant positive social impact, including providing unique opportunities to women, minorities, and youth.

From a demand perspective, COVID-19 is transforming traveller inclinations and behaviours toward the familiar, predictable, trusted and towards perceived ‘low risk’ destinations.

According to the report, more regional holidays, with extensive research and planning, and the great outdoors, will reign in the short-term.

COVID-19 is also proving to be a catalyst in the sector’s quest for innovation and the integration of new technologies such as biometrics, which would enable a more seamless traveller experience.

“As global Travel & Tourism starts seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and work to accelerate the resumption of safe international travel takes place, it is essential the sector rebuilds trust to travel. While the pent-up demand is significant, ever-changing travel restrictions have affected consumer confidence to book.”

Having clear and coordinated health & hygiene protocols would support the sector in rebuilding traveller confidence and allow for international travel to resume and recover swiftly.

Photo : COVID-19 pandemic saw Asia-Pacific region suffer the greatest GDP losses

July 7 , 2021