Challenges of Tourism in the Conditions of Economic Crisis

Abstract

The hospitality industry sector is among the most affected economic areas as a result of the outbreak of diseases caused by the Covid-19 virus. Over the course of a few months, Covid_19 affects all aspects of daily life globally. Due to the increased mobility, travel and tourism, the virus is rapidly reaching all continents. Ironically, tourism is falling victim to its own success. As a result of unprecedented measures to prevent the spread of the virus, in April 2020, 100% of the world's tourist destinations introduce travel restrictions (UNCTAD, 2020). For the world economy, tourism is an essential sector. In 2019, the tourism sector accounted for almost 30% of global service exports and created 300 million jobs (UNCTAD, 2020). The lock-down and restrictions imposed have a severe effect on tourism and travel, and for countries that depend to a significant extent on this economic field, things are even worse. According to data provided by the UNWTO, the contribution of the tourism sector to global GDP was about 10%. With 1,481 million international arrivals and revenues of $ 1.46 trillion in 2019, it is one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy.