COVID-19 Impact on Tourism

Pandemic Could Set Tourism Sector Back by $1 Trillion

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres released a new report today that draws on UNWTO data to quantify the devastating impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on global tourism. It warns that up to 120 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic damage likely to exceed $1 trillion in 2020 alone.

“It is imperative that we rebuild the tourism sector,” Mr. Guterres said, in order for it to “regain its position as a provider of decent jobs, stable incomes and the protection of our cultural and natural heritage.” The UN Secretary-General stressed tourism’s role as one of the most important economic sectors, providing livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people while “boosting economies and enabling countries to thrive.”

Due to restrictions imposed in March when the coronavirus started spreading rapidly around the world, international travel came to a screeching halt in April and May, resulting in international tourist arrivals that trailed last year’s total by almost 60 percent through the first five months of 2020. Depending on when travel restrictions will be fully lifted, the World Tourism Organization expects international tourism receipts (i.e. spending by international tourists) to drop between $910 billion and $1.2 trillion this year, which would set the global tourism industry back by 20 years.

Description

This chart shows global international tourism receipts from 2000-2019 and possible scenarios for 2020.

Download Chart
Premium statistics
Total tourism sector employment New Zealand 2014-2023
Premium statistics
Share of tourism sector workers Indonesia 2022, by age group
Premium statistics
Market size of the tourism sector worldwide 2011-2024
Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2024
Premium statistics
Employment in the tourism sector in Crete Region 2010-2022
Premium statistics
Employment share of tourism sector Thailand 2017-2022

Any more questions?

Get in touch with us quickly and easily.
We are happy to help!

Do you still have questions?

Feel free to contact us anytime using our contact form or visit our FAQ page.

Statista Content & Design

Need infographics, animated videos, presentations, data research or social media charts?

More Information