Publication date:
Jul 2020
Language:
English
The impact of the global health crisis is becoming clear with European tourism growth expected to remain below 2019 levels until 2023. During the first four months of the year, Europe saw a dramatic 44% decline in international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019, a decrease in line with global performance[1]. Tourism jobs losses in Europe in 2020 could be monumental, ranging between 14.2mn to 29.5mn[2]. Uncertainty still dominates and the duration of pandemic restrictions will be key to determine the losses in the sector.
Ahead of the summer season, tourism businesses are resuming activities and destinations across Europe are gradually re-opening their borders[3], establishing travel bubbles/blocks and boosting domestic and intra-European travel. The pace of recovery by destination will vary and will depend on the extent to which they rely on international source markets and the revival of consumer confidence.
[1] UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
[2] World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)
[3] EU and the Schengen area
