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.
The Recommendations are the first output of the Global
Tourism Crisis Committee, established by UNWTO with high-level representatives
from across the tourism sector including Maldives Minister of Tourism Ali
Waheed.
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 unparalleled social and economic emergency that is COVID-19.
"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. Mitigating the impact on
employment and liquidity, protecting the most vulnerable and preparing for
recovery, must be our key priorities," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab
Pololikashvili.
Recognising the diverse realities in each country as well as
the evolving nature of this crisis, the document will continue to be
updated.
"We still do not 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
programmes for tourism will translate into jobs and economic growth."
added the Secretary-General.
The Recommendations for Action are the first
comprehensive set of actions governments and private sector actors can take now
and in the challenging months ahead. Mr Pololikashvili stressed that "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".
In all, this new guide provides 23 actionable
recommendations, divided into three key areas:
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