All tourist locations globally have travel restrictions now: UNWTO

The latest data from United Nations’ specialised agency for tourism, UNWTO, shows that all destinations now have travel restrictions in place. Of these, 83% have had Covid-19 related restrictions for four or more weeks already.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has shown its commitment to putting people first. Our sector can also lead the way in driving recovery. This research on global travel restrictions will help support the timely and responsible implementation of exit strategies, allowing destinations to ease or lift travel restrictions when it is safe to do so. This way, the social and economic benefits that tourism offers can return, providing a path to sustainable recovery for both individuals and whole countries.” Of these, 45% have totally or partially closed their borders for tourists. The latest analysis shows that of the 217 destinations worldwide 30% have suspended totally or partially international flights – “all flights are suspended”

18% are banning the entry for passengers from specific countries of origin or passengers who have transited through specific destinations 7% are applying different measures, such as quarantine or self-isolation for 14 days and visa measures.

Against this backdrop, UNWTO has been leading calls for governments worldwide to commit to supporting tourism through this unprecedented challenge. According to Secretary-General Pololikashvili, the sudden and unexpected fall in tourism demand caused by COVID-19 places millions of jobs and livelihoods at risk while at the same time jeopardising the advances made in sustainable development and equality over recent years.