MADRID — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released a set of recommendations calling for urgent and strong support to help the global tourism sector not only recover from the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 but to “grow back better.”
These recommendations represent the first output of the Global Tourism Crisis Committee, established by UNWTO with high-level representatives from across the tourism sector and the wider United Nations system. Recognizing that tourism and transport has been among the hardest hit of all sectors, the recommendations are designed to support governments, the private sector and the international community in navigating the social and economic emergency caused by COVID-19. The document will continue to be updated to address the evolving nature of the crisis and diverse realities in each country.
“These specific recommendations give countries a check-list of possible measures to help our sector sustain the jobs and support the companies at risk at this very moment,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO. “Mitigating the impact on employment and liquidity, protecting the most vulnerable and preparing for recovery, must be our key priorities.”
The guide features 23 actionable recommendations, divided into three key areas: managing the crisis and mitigating the impact; providing stimulus and accelerating recovery; and preparing for tomorrow.
“We still don’t know what the full impact of COVID-19 will be on global tourism. However, we must support the sector now while we prepare for it to come back stronger and more sustainable. Recovery plans and programs for tourism will translate into jobs and economic growth,” adds Pololikashvili. “For tourism to fulfil its potential to help societies and whole countries recover from this crisis, our response needs to be quick, consistent, united and ambitious.”
The complete Recommendations for Action document is available here.
