Africa UN Knowledge Hub for COVID-19

Impact Tourism

Impact Tourism 1

Impact Tourism 2

Impact Tourism 3

Economic losses are mounting in developing countries due to the absence of widespread COVID-19 vaccinations.

The crash in international tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic could end up costing the global economy more than $4 trillion in 2020 and 2021, according to a United Nations report.

Tunisia, Mauritius, Morocco... For African tourism, the loss of earnings as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic could reach $250bn in 2021. Estimating the losses in the sector, a report by the United Nations predicts that there will only be some kind of a return to normal in 2023.

Graced with rolling vineyards, bountiful big game, the iconic Table Mountain, endless sandy beaches and vast cultural riches, South Africa would have expected to cash in on a post-virus travel boom.

Despite hopes of a revival in the tourism sector after a difficult 2020, the region’s industry is still struggling to get back on its feet due to a third wave of Covid-19 sweeping across the continent.

International tourist arrivals fell to levels not seen since 1990. We estimate that the crisis has cost the world about $4 trillion and placed over 100 million direct tourism jobs at risk