UN Chief stresses on rebuilding tourism sector in a safe,equitable,climate friendly manner
Travel Biz News —
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed on rebuilding the tourism sector in a “safe, equitable and climate friendly” manner.
Secretary-General Guterres , releasing a thematic brief on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism said : “It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector in a “safe, equitable and climate friendly” manner and so ensure tourism regains its position as a provider of decent jobs, stable incomes and the protection of our cultural and natural heritage”.
Mr Guterres underscored that tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors, providing “livelihoods to hundreds of millions more”, while it “boosts economies and enables countries to thrive”, and allowing “people to experience some of the world’s cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity”.
The “COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism” Policy Brief from the Secretary-General Guterres, makes clear the impact that the pandemic has had on global tourism and how this affects everything from jobs and economies to wildlife conservation and the protection of cultural heritage.
Drawing on the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it warns that as many as 100 million direct tourism jobs are at risk, and the massive drop in export revenues from tourism could reduce global GDP by as much as 2.8 per cent.
He stressed that tourism is an essential pillar of the SDGs and the most vulnerable workers and nations are at greatest risk.
“Tourism has been among the hardest hit of all sectors by COVID-19 and no country has been unaffected, with restrictions on travel and a sudden drop in consumer demand leading to an unprecedented fall in international tourist numbers.”
Furthermore, with 90 per cent of World Heritages Sites having closed as a result of the pandemic, both tangible and intangible heritage is at risk in all parts of the world.
“Women, youth and workers in the informal economy are most at risk from job losses and business closures across the tourism sector. At the same time, destinations most reliant on tourism for jobs and economic growth, including SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are likely to be hardest hit, including through an anticipated fall in foreign direct investment (FDI),”UNWTO said in a statement quoting policy notes.
Aug. 25 , 2020
Image : Angkor (Cambodia) – Ko Hon Chiu Vincent / whc unesco
