Coronavirus impact puts up to 50 million jobs at risk across global tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned that up to 50 million tourism industry jobs worldwide are on the line following the Coronavirus pandemic, as countries close their borders, ban events and tighten travel restrictions.

Advising that travel bans being implemented around the world could see the loss of three months of global travel, WTTC President and Chief Executive, Gloria Guevara warned overnight “WTTC figures show the stark impact on the travel and tourism sector of the present COVID-19 outbreak, with analysis now suggesting that up to 50 million jobs are at risk in the sector globally.

“When the time is right, WTTC and the global private sector will be ready to help and support the government and countries to recover.

“The COVID-19 outbreak clearly presents a significant threat to the industry as a whole, to those employed within it, and those wishing to continue travelling.

“Travel and tourism has the strength to overcome this challenge, and will emerge stronger and more robust by taking all necessary measures to tackle COVID-19 and the understandable concern which surrounds it.”

Image: Chinese tourists in New Zealand.