International tourism down 70% in the first 8 months of 2020

Tourism around the world has experienced a fall by 70 percent in international arrivals for the first eight months of 2020 due to the travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

According to the latest data of UNWTO, international arrival dropped by 81 percent in July and 79 percent in August.

"The drop until August represents 700 million fewer arrivals compared to the same period in 2019 and translates into a loss of $730 billion in export revenues from international tourism. This is more than eight times the loss experienced on the back of the 2009 global economic and financial crisis," according to the newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

According to the latest data, Asia and the Pacific saw a decrease of 79 percent in international arrivals. Africa and the Middle East both experienced a 69 percent decrease, and Europe and Americas 68 and 65 percent respectively.

Following its gradual reopening of international borders, Europe recorded comparatively smaller declines in July 72 percent and August 69 percent.

Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of UNWTO, said, "This unprecedented decline is having dramatic social and economic consequences, and puts millions of jobs and businesses at risk."

"This underlines the urgent need to safely restart tourism, in a timely and coordinated manner," he added.

However, Asia and the Pacific recorded the largest declines with 96 percent in both months.

"Demand for travel remains largely subdued due to the ongoing uncertainty about the pandemic and low confidence. Based on the latest trends, UNWTO expects an overall drop close to 70% for the whole of 2020," said UNWTO report.

Meanwhile, UNWTO experts predict a rebound in international tourism in 2021, mostly in the third quarter of 2021. However, around 20 percent of experts suggest the rebound could occur only in 2022.