Travel Industry, News and Analytics

2020 was the Worst Year in the History of Tourism According to UNWTO

The latest report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) underlines that 2020 was the worst year for global tourism on record. The international arrivals suffered an unprecedented decline of 74%. The newest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer estimated the total loss that the coronavirus pandemic caused to international tourism. The figure is truly mind-blowing – US$1.3 trillion, which is 11 times more than the loss caused by the global crisis in 2009. Tourism is one of the major job providers in many countries, and so from 100 to 120 million people around the world are at risk of losing their jobs today.

To keep the pandemic under control, most countries have to implement certain limitations and travel restrictions. Complete closure of borders, mandatory COVID-19 tests and quarantines make it even harder for tourism-related businesses to recover. Global vaccination is the only way to reopen borders and restore consumer confidence, making people willing to travel again. Today, everyone hopes that travel restrictions will be eased and life will slowly get back to normal in 2021.

Even hotels in Bangkok, Paris, London, New York, and other large gateway cities couldn’t maintain their occupancy in 2020. Although most countries have already started vaccination campaigns, it is too early to say that the crisis is over. Countries also need to add certain measures to make traveling safer such as testing, tracing of sick people, vaccination passports, and so on.

The Panel of Experts in UNWTO expressed their mixed thoughts regarding the recovery of international tourism in 2021. A bit less than half of the respondents (45%) think that 2021 will be better than last year, a quarter of the respondents say that the performance will be similar, and one-third expect even a more difficult year. Overall, experts are less optimistic about the recovery in 2021 now. In October 2020, only 20% of the respondents were expecting the recovery to start in 2022 while 79% were sure that the recovery would start in 2021. Nowadays, half of the respondents expect the recovery to start next year.

When tourism finally starts to recover, UNWTO expects domestic tourism to “wake up” first, as well as outdoor and nature-based activities. As of now, Europe is the most affected region when it comes to a drop in tourism. The decrease in arrivals reached 70% in 2020 or 500 million fewer international guests.

Individual City Guides

Ohrid travel guide

When traveling in Macedonia, tourists often say that Ohrid is the most beautiful city in the country. It is situated on the picturesque shore of a lake with the same name. When arriving in Ohrid, tourists usually immediately notice a big number of interesting houses and buildings that amaze guests with their unusual looks. The Macedonian city is not deprived of historic landmarks, many of which are very old. Thanks to its rich historic heritage, Ohrid is incredibly popular with tourists. In … Read further

Cuisine of Interlaken

This beautiful city features eating places to suit all tastes and budgets. Tourists will find attractive restaurants and cafes in almost every area of the city. Tourists who prefer healthy food are recommended to visit Blueberrys Juice Bar restaurant, which is one of the most attractive budget dining facilities of the city. Rich choice of vegetable and fish dishes, and numerous tasty fruit desserts and drinks will delight simply every visitor, and welcoming and attentive staff will help to make … Read further

Traditions and festivals in Sorrento

Sorrento is the city with an amazingly beautiful scenery and harmonious atmosphere. It never ceases to attract artists and fans of rest in beautiful places. During leisure travelers will find a lot of surprises, because in addition to the flawless appearance a popular resort features its incomparable flavor. The main symbol of the city is a lemon. Local fruits differ much from those to which people in other countries are accustomed. Lemons are very big and incredibly tasty, and many travelers … Read further

Varna cultural sights

In Varna travelers will find a wide choice of unique historical monuments. A large part of the city’s attractions has been there since ancient times. The Roman baths, which are located in the southeast part of the city, are a striking example. This is the most massive ancient construction in the country. The total area of the baths is about 7 square kilometers. Among the fragments of the large-scale construction, which have survived till our days, are ancient columns, arches and stairway … Read further

Detroit attractions and entertainment

Detroit is sure to please fans of active pastime, as the city has entertainments to suit virtually every taste. Those who want to stroll through beautiful natural places should definitely explore the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Long winding alleys for walking, majestic trees and benches for rest - this beautiful place is loved by both the local people and visitors to the city. Equally attractive is Belle Isle Park. It is also perfect for sports entertainment, leisurely walks, and … Read further

Mexico City for families and kids

This lively and optimistic Mexican city is a perfect destination for travelers with children. There are many beautiful parks and interesting entertainment centers. Jardin Centenario Park is a perfect place for relaxation and outdoor activities with kids. The park is located in Coyoacán district. It’s a true masterpiece of landscape gardening. Jardin Centenario is decorated with thousands of flowers and exotic plants. Here, visitors can walk and admire the surrounding beauty or play active … Read further

Shopping in Tortola

Tortola, as part of the British Virgin Islands, is also one of the largest offshore territories in the world. You can register a company in just 1 day here, and the state does not charge sales tax or state duty. It would seem that Road Town, the capital of Tortola, should be a paradise for shopping due to these conditions. Alas, this is not quite so. The prices of some goods are really quite low here. For example, clothes, shoes, consumer electronics are cheaper than in most places in Europe and … Read further

Extreme and fun in Corse

Adventures on the Waves and under the Water. There are many adventures related to the water element in Corse. For example, you can take a breathtaking canoe ride on a fast mountain river. You will also get a great experience if you go to a modern diving center. You will learn how to scuba dive and become a member of a tour of the most interesting and beautiful places on the coast underwater. The bottom is rocky here. Therefore, you will see well when you are under the water. You will get … Read further