Uncertainty remains for tourism even as reopenings gather pace

While COVID-19 travel restrictions are easing around the world, many countries that rely heavily on visitor revenue have yet to open up, causing further damage to their tourism industries. That’s according to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) which revealed this month that by 1 September, 53% of all destinations worldwide had eased the restrictions they placed on international tourism in response to the pandemic. This compared to 40% on 19 July and 22% on 15 June.

The UN agency says that 115 destinations (53%) have eased restrictions, an increase of 28 since 19 July. Of these, two have lifted all restrictions, while the remaining 113 continue to have certain restrictive measures in place.

By region, the number of destinations that have eased travel restrictions are: 44 in Europe, including 25 out of 26 Schengen Member States; 27 in the Americas, including 18 Small Island Developing States (SIDS); 26 in Africa; 13 in Asia and the Pacific, including 5 SIDS; 5 destinations in the Middle East.

The report shows that:

• Within advanced economies, 79% of tourism destinations have already eased restrictions. In emerging economies, just 47% of destinations have done so.
• 64% of those destinations which have eased have a high or medium dependence on air as a mode of transport for international tourism arrivals.
• Destinations which have eased travel restrictions generally have high levels of health and hygiene infrastructure. They also tend to have comparatively low COVID-19 infection rates.

The report notes that many destinations around the world are “extremely cautious” about easing travel restrictions they introduced in response to the pandemic and some have passed severe measures in an attempt to keep their citizens safe.

Some 93 (43% of all destinations) continue to have their borders completely closed to tourism, of which 27 have been closed for at least 30 weeks.

More than half of all destinations with borders completely closed to tourism are classified as being among the World’s Most Vulnerable Countries. They include ten SIDS (Small Island Developing States), one Least Developed Country (LDC) and three Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs).

More than half of destinations with full restrictions still in place are also highly dependent on aviation, with at least 70% of their tourist arrivals coming by air, causing significant connectivity impacts for their citizens and economies, notes the agency.

The UNWTO warns that, as health concerns and uncertainties prevail, the reintroduction of restrictions remains possible. Since reporting last on 19 July, two destinations have reintroduced the complete closure of borders (Hungary and Ukraine). Beyond this, it says, some scheduled border openings have been cancelled or postponed and an additional five destinations have reintroduced some restrictions directed at passengers coming from specific countries with high infection rates.

In addition, tourists are affected increasingly by travel advisories issued by their own governments as well as by measures they apply such as quarantine or testing upon return to the home country.

UNWTO warns that although many destinations are opening up – led by those with higher health and hygiene scores – it has concerns for tourism in many territories.

“The importance of tourism is, although not in all countries, influencing that borders are getting reopened. However, many countries still keep their borders closed with impacts not only for international tourism but significant side effects for their economies and societies.”

It also notes that the threat of reintroduced restrictions if cases rise poses a big challenge.

“Immigration procedures and requirements will differ from destination to destination, which is especially challenging for the consistency of information on procedures and requirements across the different national authorities, namely health, foreign affairs, immigration and tourism authorities of a country. It is now even more important that national authorities ensure that immigration procedures and requirements are provided in a timely, reliable and consistent manner across all information systems and platforms, to maintain confidence and trust.”