Tourexpi
While
global tourism bounces back stronger than expected, top tourism officials are
urging continued vigilance and enhanced cooperation to safeguard the sector
against emerging health threats such as mpox and possible future disruptions.
Speaking
exclusively to Anadolu, Julia Simpson, head of the World Travel and Tourism
Council (WTTC), said that the sector’s recovery post-COVID has not only met
expectations but, in many instances, exceeded them.
"The
global tourism sector is making a remarkable comeback," she said, citing
the council’s own 2024 Economic Impact Research.
According
to the report, the travel and tourism sector is expected see a $770 billion
jump in contributions to world GDP, reaching $11.1 trillion in 2024 or nearly
10% of the global economy.
The
sector is expected to support nearly 348 million jobs this year, up 13.6
million from 2019.
"These
positive trends suggest a very strong outlook for the remainder of the year,
indicating that the sector has not only met but, in many cases, exceeded the
expectations set by the WTTC," she said.
Simpson
highlighted key strategies that have prepared the sector for withstanding
future shocks, such as forming "trust-based coalitions" with
governments, tourism organizations, and local communities for coordinated
responses to crises.
"Scenario-based
planning, regular drills, and comprehensive emergency plans are also
crucial," she sid.
Simpson
pointed to the example of destinations like the US island state of Hawaii and
New York City, which have both set up robust crisis management frameworks.
Additionally, new technologies, such as Mexico’s "Guest Assist"
mobile app, are providing crucial support to visitors during emergencies, she
said.
While
acknowledging the uncertainty around new health threats like the mpox virus,
Simpson stressed that the industry learned valuable lessons from the 2020 COVID
pandemic, including the importance of agility, communication, and flexibility.
Businesses
that adapted quickly, such as by focusing on domestic tourism or embracing
digital changes, proved to be more resilient, she said.
"Health
and safety measures should be permanently integrated into operations," she
noted, adding that both public and private sectors have a crucial role to play
in creating a more resilient tourism industry.
"Governments,
international organizations, and the private sector must work together to
develop integrated strategies that support a robust and adaptable global
tourism sector," Simpson said.
Mpox
unlikely to cause COVID levels of disruption
Zurab
Pololikashvili, the secretary-general of UN Tourism, the UN agency which
promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism, echoed
this call for heightened vigilance in the face of uncertainties in the public
health care sector.
"Global
tourism continues to bounce back strongly, with international arrivals reaching
97% of 2019 levels in the first quarter of 2024," Pololikashvili told
Anadolu.
Pololikashvili
acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the current mpox virus but stressed
that current trends suggest it will not have the same level of disruption as
the coronavirus.
"Given
the evolving nature of the situation, it is too early to evaluate any impact on
tourism demand. UN Tourism is monitoring any trends that may be relevant and
building on the experience during the COVID pandemic," he said, adding
that coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) remains crucial.
While
some countries have introduced screening measures for international arrivals as
a precaution, Pololikashvili reiterated that such decisions are the
responsibility of national governments.
The
UN Tourism chief noted that mpox is unlikely to reach the level of global
disruption caused by COVID-19, and underscored the importance of vigilance and
preparation.
"The
COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for greater resilience in tourism,"
Pololikashvili said, adding that the UN Tourism agency is working closely with
the World Health Organization (WHO), also a UN agency, to monitor the situation
and adapt strategies accordingly.
Enhanced
coordination, clear communication, and data-driven responses are central to
these efforts, ensuring the sector remains ready to tackle future challenges,
he stated.
Full
recovery expected this year
Despite
potential public health concerns, Pololikashvili projected a full recovery for
the tourism sector in 2024, fueled by strong demand, improved air connectivity,
and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.
"This
is in spite of the several challenges the sector currently faces, including
economic and geopolitical headwinds as well as potential public health
emergencies," he noted.
Simon
Ralph, director of external affairs at the International Air Transport
Association (IATA), underlined that virus has not had any noticeable effect on
traveler numbers globally or in Africa.
"Mpox
was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) from July 2022
to May 2023 with no travel or trade restrictions," he said.
He
noted that when the WHO reclassified mpox as a PHEIC on Aug. 14, it did not
recommend any travel or trade restrictions, adding: "We should remember
how ineffective travel and trade restrictions were during COVID."
"As
long as governments follow WHO advice and do not impose travel restrictions, we
do not expect the mpox virus to affect travel and tourism," he added.
Image
Credit: © AA
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