Tourism industry has been another major victim of Covid-19 all over the world. By staying home and the boarders closing the number of travelers fell to zero in almost all of the countries and it caused in people being unemployed and having massive negative effects on the economy especially in tourism industry. In addition to economic aspect of the pandemic, there is another aspect that includes world`s cultural heritage and wildlife to be at the threat. Since there is not sufficient fund to protect these sites, the possibility of poaching and looting increases.
The influence of actions as restriction of movement, closure of hotels and other accommodation facilities, also cultural and natural attractions, cancellation or postponement of the events and gatherings, all together have contributed to international tourism resulting in a standstill with enormous economic repercussions, including loss of income and unemployment.
On the World Tourism Day during the Coronavirus pandemic, we need to think about the future of the tourism sector and how it contributes to the sustainable development goals, through its political, social, cultural and economic value.
Tourism can finally be an aid for us to move beyond the pandemic, by bringing people from all over the world together and promoting solidarity and trust which are the crucial basis for advancing the global cooperation very much needed right now.
The 2020 version of World Tourism Day with the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development” is going to celebrate the major role that tourism has in bringing the chance outside of the big cities and protecting cultural and natural heritage sites all over the world.
The World Tourism Day comes at a critical time, as all of the countries all over the world expect the tourism industry to drive recovery, including in rural communities where the sector is a leading employer and economic pillar providing jobs opportunities for women and youth.
Developments achieved through tourism can keep rural communities alive and it has estimated that by 2050 about 68% of the world`s population will live in urban areas, while 80% of those whom are currently living in extreme poverty live outside of towns and cities. The current situation is especially hard for the youth, meaning that young people in rural communities are three times more likely to get unemployed that older people.
We celebrate the World Tourist Day differently this year and we are saving all of our energy and focus for the big celebration of next year.
