Travel Industry, News and Analytics

UNWTO Reveals How the Pandemic Affected International Travel

It is not a secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit global tourism badly, and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) once again proved this. According to the recently published data, international tourist arrivals between January and May 2021 were 85% below the results of 2019 and 65% below the results of 2020. It is safe to say that this is the biggest crisis that world tourism has ever seen in its history, and the industry has to stay in such a state for the second year.

Although there was some recovery in May, international tourism is much under pressure of the continued COVID-19 spread. There are still travel restrictions for foreign guests in most countries but domestic tourism starts to rebound slowly. Even hotels in London, Bangkok, Paris, and other gateway cities suffer from a drastic decline in visitors. As UNWTO reports, the number of overnight international arrivals in January to May decreased by 147 million compared to the same period of 2020 and by a whopping 460 million compared to the same period of 2019. That being said, there is slow growth in arrivals – the decline was 86% in April 2021 versus April 2019 and 83% in May 2021 versus May 2019.

As countries slowly lift restrictions or let fully vaccinated travelers enter, hotels and other tourist-related businesses become slightly optimistic. Moreover, consumer confidence is rising, and more people want to travel again.

When it comes to regional data, Asia and the Pacific had the biggest decline in arrivals (a drop of 95%) during the first five months of 2021 compared to 2019. Europe had the second-biggest decline in arrivals (a drop of 85%), and the Middle East and Africa scored third and fourth with declines of 83% and 81% respectively. The Americas had the lowest decrease among all regions (-72%).

What can international tourism expect in the coming months? The future is still unclear, and the chance of recovery is fragile at the moment. The Delta variant of the virus was responsible for outbreaks of the disease and made several countries reimpose travel restrictions. Vaccination programs around the world and eased requirements for vaccinated travelers, as well as digital tools like the EU Digital COVID Certificate give us hope that it will become normal again to travel abroad in the coming months.

Individual City Guides

Olomouc travel guide

The capital of the Czech Republic is not the only place worth visiting in this beautiful country. There are many no less charming settlements that can amaze and enchant their guests. Without a doubt, Olomouc is one of these cities. This is a charming place, which has an area of only 103 square kilometers. Despite this, Olomouc is the sixth-largest city in the Czech Republic and home to a great number of ancient landmarks, many of which are true masterpieces of architecture. Experienced travelers … Read further

Cuisine of Isa Town

Isa Town is one of the youngest and most luxurious towns in Bahrain. Posh villas built by wealthy people from all over the country have already become a calling card of Isa Town. Fabulous shopping centers remain the main landmarks of the town. It would also be a mistake not to mention several gorgeous stadiums that are built here. Upon arrival, many tourists prefer to visit The Sultan Center first. This large shopping center is open in modern high-rise buildings. Inside, visitors will find … Read further

Traditions and festivals in Sousse

Special traditions and customs of local people never cease to amaze foreign visitors with its originality and uniqueness. Every year, thousands of tourists arrive to Sousse from all over the world; for many of them an acquaintance with cultural traditions of citizens becomes the most vibrant and exciting adventure. An integral part of the national culture is the music of Sufis. Melodious musical tunes have changed for hundreds of years; however, they continue to be an important national feature. … Read further

Velika Gorica cultural sights

The gorgeous city was founded yet in the 13th century, but first settlements appeared in this area yet during the Roman Empire times. Archaeological excavations never stop in the neighborhoods of Velika Gorica as scientists have found traces of ancient settlements there. The Turopolje Museum is one of the most notable landmarks of the city, and so all tourists are recommended visiting it. In the museum, visitors will find collections of historical and archaeological findings. During a tour in … Read further

Jeddah attractions and entertainment

Many travelers associate Jeddah primarily with colorful Oriental markets and rich choice of shopping centers. This is indeed a major trading city, but apart from interesting shops the city can offer its guests a rich variety of entertainment. Fans of beach rest will surely like the coast of Silver Sands as they will find truly excellent conditions for sports entertainment there. The beach is equipped with several sports fields. There are special play areas for children and rental offices where … Read further

Munich for families and kids

Coco Loco remains one of the most popular play centers in Munich, so it can be recommended for travelers with children. It’s a true paradise for kids who can easily spend a whole day jumping on trampolines, trying various slides, playing arcades and table games, and finding out more about popular adult professions. There is a big café in the center, so both adults and children won’t be left hungry. Kids will be definitely pleased with the special menu with popular meals and desserts. … Read further

Shopping in Batam Island

Batam Island, just like some other local islands, is a part of the free trade zone. Here you can find a great variety of goods by the world leading producers and for a very good price. Besides, if you want to buy inexpensive but qualitative clothes, then you can find it among the local producers, like Sofie, Ferry Sunarto, Kisoon Harto, Ali Charisma, Talisa House, Biyan, Ghea, Sebastian’s, Poppy Dharsono, Herman Nuary. But it’s better not to buy it without a fitting. The thing is that the … Read further

Extreme and fun in Costa Brava

Active Entertainment Related to the Sea. Costa Brava will delight you with various options for active leisure associated with the water element. Beautiful landscapes, diverse inhabitants of the underwater world, and even sunken ships will appear in front of you when you make a scuba dive to a depth of 12 meters in the Mediterranean Sea. You will find several dive clubs and equipment rentals on the coast. You can also go snorkeling or go on tour on a boat with a transparent bottom. There … Read further