The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes to all aspects of our lives. One major impact of the pandemic has been on the tourism industry. In most countries, the tourism and hospitality sector's direct contribution to GDP is very strong. As the secretary-general of the UNWTO, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili reports: ‘Around the world, in countries at all development levels, many millions of jobs and businesses are dependent on a strong and thriving tourism sector. Tourism has also been a driving force in protecting natural and cultural heritage, preserving them for future generations to enjoy’ (UNWTO, 2021). Yet, the coronavirus pandemic has caused a crash in international tourism, which could cause a loss of more than $4 trillion to the global GDP for the years 2020 and 2021, according to an UNCTAD report published on 30 June (UNWTO, 2021). Since tourism relies on the same human mobility that spreads the pandemic, it has been subject to the most stringent and lasting restrictions all over the world and thus, suffers more than any other economic activity.
However, here lies an opportunity to reset how we tour this planet, and we should not miss it.