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174m T&T jobs could be lost due to COVID-19 and travel restrictions

NEWS / INTERNATIONAL 174M T&T JOBS COULD BE LOST

DUE TO COVID-19 AND TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

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WTTC Research reveals small yet positive job gains, driven by the return of domestic travel in a number of markets; Already in present circumstances, 143m jobs will be impacted

The impact of current restric- figures from the WTTC revealed pact of COVID-19, as well as lotions on international travel that 174m Travel & Tourism jobs cal and global travel restrictions which continue through to could be lost in 2020 if barriers on the Travel & Tourism sector. the end of 2020 will be devastat- to global travel remain in place. Down from the 197m jobs as ing, with as many as 174m mil- WTTC’s latest economic data detailed in the previous study in lion jobs lost globally. The new figures look at the punishing im- June, WTTC says this positive gain

is in most part driven by the return of domestic travel in countries such as China, which has shown a particularly strong recovery of its domestic market. It has also implemented a comprehensive testing and contact tracing programme, alongside health and hygiene protocols, further contributing to this significant increase.

The analysis shows that a staggering 31m jobs could be saved by the end of 2020 if the current global travel restrictions are removed sooner. Prolonged travel restrictions could also eliminate $4.7 trillion in the sector’s contribution to global GDP, equating to a loss of 53% compared to 2019.

Ms. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our latest data reveals the gravity of the long-term negative impact facing the global Travel & Tourism sector if we don’t work together to resume international travel immediately.

“As travel restrictions around

Worst forecast can be avoided if an immediate coordinated response is implemented

the world remained in place over the summer months, our estimates report an increase from 121m to 143m jobs lost. In the space of just four months, our study has shown further 22m jobs under threat worldwide. This is devastating news, and we need international coordinated action now.”

“The sector’s recovery will be delayed even further, with more jobs lost, unless quarantines are replaced with rapid, costeffective testing at airports on departure, and air corridors. The longer we wait, the more the ailing Travel & Tourism sector faces total collapse.”

Just a few weeks ago, G20 Tourism Ministers hosted more than 45 CEOs and Members of WTTC who, at the request of Saudi Arabia, presented the 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan to save the already crippled Travel & Tourism sector, and 100m jobs globally.

The game-changing plan was created with input from WTTC Members and covered a range of key initiatives that hinged on securing strong international coordination to re-establish effective operations and restart international travel.

Among other measures, this included eliminating quarantines and other travel barriers. Through the implementation of an international testing regime, combined with rigorous health and safety protocols, to enable the world to adapt to living with the COVID-19 virus while minimizing the risk of it spreading further.

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