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96% of Global Destinations are Currently not Available for Travel

The coronavirus pandemic has greatly disrupted global tourism. At the moment, it is nearly impossible for people to travel to other countries. The recent report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) only proves this. The changes are really unprecedented for the sector. Almost all destinations in the world have had certain travel limitations since the beginning of 2020. Many countries have imposed complete bans on travel while they are fighting with the COVID-19 outbreak.

UNWTO, a special tourism agency that is a part of the United Nations, has been regularly publishing reports on different trends and observations in the sector. In recent years, there has been a shift to openness and fewer limitations. The coronavirus has changed everything. As of the first decade of April, almost all destinations in the world (96%) have travel restrictions. 90 destinations have completely closed their borders for tourists. Another 44 destinations are currently closed for tourists from certain countries. In short, the majority of tourists now have put their dreams of a London vacation or a hotel in Amsterdam on a halt.

While governments have to close the borders of their countries and focus on public health, the tourism sector is facing big problems. Millions of people are at risk of losing their jobs. UNWTO already asked governments to lift travel restrictions or at least ease them as soon as travel doesn’t impose any danger. Many countries have tourism as one of their major boosters, and long limitations might disrupt economic growth.

As of the first decade of April, 100% of destinations in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East had travel restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Most governments in other regions of the world have made similar decisions – 92% destinations in the Americas and 93% destinations in Europe imposed restrictions.

The most popular restrictions are the following: total or partial flight suspension, complete or partial closure of borders, limitations for tourists from certain countries, different requirements (quarantine, medical certificates, self-isolation, etc.). As the pandemic is far from the end at the moment, countries adjust their measures accordingly to the situation. UNWTO hopes to work with the governments to ensure the recovery of the tourism sector as soon as possible.

23.04.2020

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