According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry might contribute $8.6 trillion to global GDP this year.
Before the pandemic, the sector contributed almost $9.2 trillion to the global economy in 2019.
The epidemic, however, brought the industry to a near-complete halt in 2020, resulting in a whopping 49.1 per cent decline.
According to a new study from WTTC, as the world finally recovers, the sector’s contribution to the global economy and jobs might approach pre-pandemic levels if the recovery accelerates.
This growth and recovery are contingent on the vaccine and booster rollout remaining on track this year, as well as the lifting of international travel restrictions.
According to WTTC’s analysis, the sector’s contribution to global employment might reach more than 330 million people, just 1 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels.
“Over the past two years, due to severe travel restrictions around the world, the global Travel & Tourism sector has suffered tremendous losses,” WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson stated.
“Our latest research clearly shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and 2022 is certainly looking more positive in terms of both jobs and the economy. However, there is much more work to be done if we are to bring back all the jobs lost and achieve a full economic recovery. With so much is at stake, it’s vital we continue driving the recovery of our sector.
“Governments must shift their risk assessment from entire countries to the individual traveler and allow the fully vaccinated to travel freely.”
According to the global tourism organisation, governments should continue to deploy digital solutions that allow travellers to readily establish their status in a safe and straightforward manner.
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