According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the year 1950, the number of international tourists was just 25 million and this number increased by many folds in 2018 to 1.4 billion per year. This is sufficient to get a rough idea about the size and importance of this industry.
It's World Tourism Day! In a new article, @UNWTO Secretary-General @pololikashvili explains how the downturn in tourism due to the pandemic is impacting development, and how "Tourism Can Lead the World to Recovery": https://t.co/u78GaecRkL @Tourism4SDGs pic.twitter.com/7hv3rkOPoy
— UN Chronicle (@_UNChronicle) September 27, 2020
It is not only one of the largest but also the worst affected industry amidst the pandemic-struck world. Millions of people around the world who are dependent on this sector are affected. Most of the Asian and African countries used to get a large chunk of their revenue from tourism, but are now facing a crisis because of this. India is one of the top revenue generators from the tourism sector and is now trying to recover the loss generated due to the lockdown by relaxing tourists from hectic paperwork and giving special permission such as e-passes. However, safety norms such as face masks and maintaining social distancing are still mandatory for everyone.
On World Tourism Day, the United Nations shared a tweet saying, “#COVID19 has significantly impacted tourism, leading to huge economic losses & millions of jobs at risk.
#COVID19 has significantly impacted tourism, leading to huge economic losses & millions of jobs at risk.
On Sunday's World Tourism Day, learn how @UNWTO is working to promote more sustainable, inclusive & resilient tourism. https://t.co/DKaMeHG776 #WTD20 pic.twitter.com/EmIppTXRvW
— United Nations (@UN) September 26, 2020
The theme for World Tourism Day 2020 is “Tourism and Rural Development” and UNWTO’s General Secretary, Zurab Pololikashvili explained the theme in video share by UNWTO.
🌳Happy #WTD!
"Tourism is a lifeline for many rural communities. The sector is a leading source of employment, particularly for women and youth while it also provides opportunities for territorial cohesion and inclusion." SG @pololikashvili's message on World Tourism Day. pic.twitter.com/ucp6lLE1w2
— World Tourism Organization (@UNWTO) September 27, 2020
United Nations, in regard with the pandemic situation wrote, “the COVID-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of the tourism sector, including how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism can eventually help us move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people together and promoting solidarity and trust – crucial ingredients in advancing the global cooperation so urgently needed at this time.”
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the UN also shared some interesting facts about the tourism industry to create awareness.
"We have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the relationship of the tourism sector with people, nature, the climate & the economy."
— @antonioguterres on Sunday's World Tourism Day. https://t.co/J2ANkFJEMP #WTD20 #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/pd8pEl5Vlp
— United Nations (@UN) September 27, 2020
