Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of COVID-19
variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the
recovery of international travel. Meanwhile, domestic tourism continues to
rebound in many parts of the world.
The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months
of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international
arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460
million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019. However, the data does point to a
relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 per cent (versus
May 2019), after falling by 86 per cent in April. This slight upward trend
emerged as some destinations started to ease restrictions and consumer
confidence rose slightly.
“Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on
effective coordination and communication on ever changing travel restrictions
while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to
rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism” says UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab
Pololikashvili.
By regions, Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the
largest decline with a 95 per cent drop in international arrivals in the first
five months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Europe (-85 per cent)
recorded the second largest decline in arrivals, followed by the Middle East
(-83 per cent) and Africa (-81 per cent). The Americas (-72 per cent) saw a
comparatively smaller decrease. In June, the number of destinations with complete
closure of borders decreased to 63, from 69 in February. Of these, 33 were in
Asia and the Pacific, while just seven in Europe, the region with the fewest
restrictions on travel currently in place.
By sub-regions, the Caribbean (-60 per cent) recorded the
best relative performance through May 2021. Growing travel from the United
States has benefitted destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, as
well as Mexico. Western Europe, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, South
America and Central America saw slightly better results in May than in April.
International tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery
remains very fragile and uneven. Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the
virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures. In addition,
the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could
continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the Northern
Hemisphere’s summer season. However, vaccination programmes around the world,
together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of
digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to
the gradual normalization of travel.
In addition, domestic travel is driving the recovery in many
destinations, especially those with large domestic markets. Domestic air seat
capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while
domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.
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