According to WTTC, the pandemic affected 53% of tourism jobs
The next World Summit, to be held from April 25 to 27 in Cancun, Mexico, will analyze the challenges of the sector and provide a platform for its recovery
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) assured that the COVID-19 health crisis impacted 53% of the total jobs generated by the sector globally, hence the importance of the next Summit Mundial , to be held from April 25 to 27 in Cancun, Mexico, where the challenges of the sector will be analyzed and a platform will be provided for its recovery.
During her participation in the virtual webinar of ATMEX (Adventure Travel Mexico) Virginia Messina, Executive Director of the WTTC, stated: “The benefits of tourism go far beyond the economic impact on countries and destinations, our sector has a positive impact on communities, providing opportunities for economic development, social well-being, conservation and protection of their natural and cultural resources, as well as other benefits such as the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, among others ”.
He explained that the travel and tourism sector would have registered for nine continuous years, until 2019, an economic growth greater than the global economy. In the latter, respectively, there was an increase of 3.5% compared to 2.5% in 2019. In addition, the tourism industry contributes more than 330 million jobs worldwide; one out of every 4 new jobs were generated by it.
Referring to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated, he pointed out that 174.4 million jobs during 2020 were affected and that is why it is important that there is a global recovery plan for this industry, where there is greater collaboration between the private sector and the governments.
He explained that the WTTC joined efforts with its members, governments, health experts and other industry associations, in order to mitigate these effects, focusing its efforts mainly on recovering the confidence of the traveler. All this through the development of hygiene and health safety protocols for all areas that operate in the travel and tourism sector. In addition to the design of the Safe Travels Stamp, which to date has more than 250 badges awarded to destinations and companies that have adopted its protocols.
The World Travel and Tourism Council recognized that there are even more challenges aimed at a comprehensive recovery of the sector, such as the implementation of a protocol to safely resume international mobility through rapid tests, and the use of technology to eliminate restrictions. to travel like quarantines.
To the latter is added the need to generate greater certainty to all the parts that make up the sector, a fact that is included in the list of principles to recover international mobility, an essential part for global economic recovery.
The WTTC recognized 4 principles:
During her participation in the virtual webinar of ATMEX (Adventure Travel Mexico) Virginia Messina, Executive Director of the WTTC, stated: “The benefits of tourism go far beyond the economic impact on countries and destinations, our sector has a positive impact on communities, providing opportunities for economic development, social well-being, conservation and protection of their natural and cultural resources, as well as other benefits such as the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, among others ”.
He explained that the travel and tourism sector would have registered for nine continuous years, until 2019, an economic growth greater than the global economy. In the latter, respectively, there was an increase of 3.5% compared to 2.5% in 2019. In addition, the tourism industry contributes more than 330 million jobs worldwide; one out of every 4 new jobs were generated by it.
Referring to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated, he pointed out that 174.4 million jobs during 2020 were affected and that is why it is important that there is a global recovery plan for this industry, where there is greater collaboration between the private sector and the governments.
He explained that the WTTC joined efforts with its members, governments, health experts and other industry associations, in order to mitigate these effects, focusing its efforts mainly on recovering the confidence of the traveler. All this through the development of hygiene and health safety protocols for all areas that operate in the travel and tourism sector. In addition to the design of the Safe Travels Stamp, which to date has more than 250 badges awarded to destinations and companies that have adopted its protocols.
The World Travel and Tourism Council recognized that there are even more challenges aimed at a comprehensive recovery of the sector, such as the implementation of a protocol to safely resume international mobility through rapid tests, and the use of technology to eliminate restrictions. to travel like quarantines.
To the latter is added the need to generate greater certainty to all the parts that make up the sector, a fact that is included in the list of principles to recover international mobility, an essential part for global economic recovery.
The WTTC recognized 4 principles:
- An international mobility protocol to travel safely
- Fast, low-cost testing to prevent virus export and import, backed by technology (virus scanners) and digital certificates. However, vaccination should not become a requirement for travel, as it can cause discrimination as the supply of vaccines worldwide is limited.
- Strengthen health and hygiene protocols, including the mandatory use of masks or mouth covers, in addition to the deployment of vaccination, as part of a comprehensive solution.
- Continue government support to the sector, including: fiscal, liquidity and worker protection, in addition to promoting the importance of the Travel and Tourism sector.
Despite the current adverse global context, the WTTC is confident that there is room for optimism and a brighter future for the sector. The arrival of the vaccine has encouraged this and other activities; however, it should not represent a condition for its restoration. Business trips, family visits, and vacations can return with a combination of an internationally recognized testing regimen, mandatory use of masks, social distancing, and the application of contact-tracing.