UN body urges governments to revive tourism

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (WTO) has called on governments around the world to protect businesses and livelihoods, particularly those in the tourism sector, amid the continuing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the WTO, the drop in tourist arrivals worldwide from January to May cost an estimated $320 billion, or three times greater than the impact of the 2007 recession on the sector.

WTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement that those in positions of leadership and power must do everything they can to get people traveling again, following and implementing all the protocols that are part of the new reality.”

The UN body warned that restrictions put in place by governments would hit society’s most vulnerable members the hardest.

“Short-sighted unilateral actions will have devastating consequences in the long run. By and large, people have learned how to behave in a responsible way. Businesses and services have put protocols in place and adapted their operations,” Pololikashvili said.

In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism is in talks with local governments and the private sector to facilitate the gradual reopening of tourism destinations, such as Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Baguio City.