5 Countries that are boosting Tourism for the post-COVID-19 world
The canals of Venice are empty. Eiffel Tower had no international visitor for over 60 days. This is unreal
Global tourism is affected by the outbreak of Covid-19. With almost every country caught in the web of Covid-19, national and international tourism is affected. Social distancing is the new norm that is being followed around the countries. But as the world witnesses an increase in the cases of Covid-19 every day, Tourism will take a step back, at least this year.In 2018, the ranking of the most highly visited country in the world was:
- France - 89.4
- Spain - 82.8
- The USA - 79.6
- China - 62.9
- Italy - 62.1
- Turkey - 45.8
- Mexico - 41.4
- Germany - 38.9
- Thailand - 38.3
- The United Kingdom 36.3
With Covid-19 at the doors, countries have tried to adapt newer means of running tourism. In 2018, Tourism contributed 10.8% in the global GDP, making it one of the most financially viable sectors. It is estimated that alone in 2020, the Tourism sector could face a loss of around 50-70% of its global revenue.
To counter this, countries are slowly developing newer schemes and measures. Measures like lifting travel restrictions, restoring traveller confidence, and rethinking the tourism sector for the future are going to be the focus sectors for the countries’ tourism departments.
Although, there are some countries which have already opened for tourists. They have lifted the ban and are in total preparations for tourists. Below is the list of those few countries which are ready to host parties, adventures, and a splendid vacation.
With British (amounting to 1/5th of international tourists in Spain) tourists planning their holidays in Spain, Reyes Maroto, the tourism minister has started talks with the British authorities.
Dr R. Sigit Witjaksono who is the director of Tourism Marketing for East, South, and Central Asia Region, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy laid out the perfect plan for a revival of tourism in the country. The state of tourism is still under the emergency response stage. If the condition improves, it will be followed by a recovery period from July to December 2020. The normalization period is projected to start the early next year, 2021. But the situation is being closely monitored and will be adjusted and updated accordingly.
To boost the economy, the island should also consider a tourist tax, while reducing taxes on small-scale home-stays, and better regulating Airbnb.
Although, with signs of improvement, France has opened its gates for some countries for tourism. Caroline Leboucher, managing director of Atout France, said, “It all depends on how long it takes for flights to start again”. She said there had been encouraging booking numbers, especially from Belgians, the Dutch, and Swiss, since borders with most other European countries opened on June 15.
Taking into consideration the Covid-19 status in India, international flights to India are not allowed up to 30th July.
Although, there are some countries which have already opened for tourists. They have lifted the ban and are in total preparations for tourists. Below is the list of those few countries which are ready to host parties, adventures, and a splendid vacation.
Spain
Tourism accounts for 12% of Spain’s GDP, which is one of the highest in the world. For Covid-19, the industry is badly affected. Spain has one of the highest numbers of Covid-19 patients in the world with over 251,000 confirmed and active cases (Mid-July). The country has faced around 28,300 deaths. This contributes to the uneasiness of tourism among international travellers.Spain's tourism industry gets a hard-hit
After the government lifted the travel ban on July 1, various towns and cities of the country have started to lay out plans for attracting tourists. One of the most famous places in Spain, Benidorm which attracted over 16 million tourists in 2019 had brought out the new plan for boosting tourism. One of the highly visited resorts of the town, Magaluf had changed its travel plans. The resort which known for its notorious services will now focus on inviting families for holidays.With British (amounting to 1/5th of international tourists in Spain) tourists planning their holidays in Spain, Reyes Maroto, the tourism minister has started talks with the British authorities.
Indonesia
With over 63,000 active cases, Indonesia is struck hard by Covid-19. Tourism accounts for over 6% of the country’s GDP. The island nation is a hotspot for tourists, especially from June to November when the country is blessed with the best climate.Dr R. Sigit Witjaksono who is the director of Tourism Marketing for East, South, and Central Asia Region, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy laid out the perfect plan for a revival of tourism in the country. The state of tourism is still under the emergency response stage. If the condition improves, it will be followed by a recovery period from July to December 2020. The normalization period is projected to start the early next year, 2021. But the situation is being closely monitored and will be adjusted and updated accordingly.
Is Bali re-opening? Read here
Bali, which is the most popular island in Indonesia, has faced tremendous losses. The island is now adapting to various new means to generate income.To boost the economy, the island should also consider a tourist tax, while reducing taxes on small-scale home-stays, and better regulating Airbnb.
France
The most visited country in the world, France has been hit heavily by Covid-19. With one of the highest number of active cases in Europe (167,000) (Mid July), France has imposed heavy restrictions on tourists.Although, with signs of improvement, France has opened its gates for some countries for tourism. Caroline Leboucher, managing director of Atout France, said, “It all depends on how long it takes for flights to start again”. She said there had been encouraging booking numbers, especially from Belgians, the Dutch, and Swiss, since borders with most other European countries opened on June 15.
Read about France's tourism rules and regulations
Other than this, the French authorities have allowed citizens of the following European countries:- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Mexico
The nation has over 252,000 active cases (Mid July) and had around 30,000 deaths because of Covid-19. Tourism, on the other hand, is struck hard as it accounts for around 10% of the nation’s GDP.'Visit Mexico' shut down due to lack of funds
There are some popular tourist places that the Mexican authorities have opened for tourists. Taking into consideration the number of cases in the region, authorities have opened these places:- Cancun & Playa Del Carmen
- Puerto Vallarta
- Los Cabos
India
With over 1,500,000 active cases, the world’s largest democracy is hit worst by Covid-19. The country has faced over 25,000 deaths. Tourism contributes around 9% in the country’s total GDP.Latest: India to invest in developing theme parks and other tourism projects
Tourism is slowly opening up with restrictions and precautionary measures. Popular tourist states of India like Goa, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are already open for tourism. Other states are slowly and steadily taking recommendations from these states and may open for tourism again. One of the most popular tourist places in the country, the financial capital Mumbai is hit hard by Covid-19 with over 200,000 cases.Taking into consideration the Covid-19 status in India, international flights to India are not allowed up to 30th July.
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for visiting!
Share your thoughts and connect with me!