Particularly severe restrictions apply in the Asia Pacific and Europe
A third of the world’s countries — 32% — is still completely closed to foreign tourists due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that the situation remains so difficult is explained by the emergence of new strains of coronavirus.
This is stated in the report of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Interestingly, the toughest restrictions are imposed in Europe and East Asia. So, out of 69 “closed” countries:
30 are in the Asia-Pacific region;
15 — in Europe;
11 — in Africa;
10 — in North and South America;
3 — in the Middle East.
Another 34% of countries are partially closed. And certificates on PCR tests for COVID-19 are required in one way or another by 32% of states. In April 2020, the number of countries that introduced travel restrictions reached 100%.
UNWTO hopes tough travel restrictions will no longer extend:
“We must admit that these restrictions need to be constantly reviewed based on the latest data on the situation with infections. Otherwise, it is impossible to ensure the restart of the industry, which employs millions of people,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
According to UNWTO, by the end of 2020, international tourism decreased by 74%, and export revenues from it — by $1.3 trillion.
