This year, the tourism sector has been under a fierce grind with the onset of the Novel Coronavirus. Globally acclaimed tour operators faced a rapid drop down with immense loss from an economic as well as cultural perspective. However, considered to be resilient in its ways and terms, travel and tourist activities have resurfaced like never before.
Recovering from the unseen scenario has been a tough job for everyone, but tourism can’t take a halt. Travelling began way back and had to commence amidst lockdowns and country-regulated protocols. But now, the journey is on a different level altogether.
More than anything else, it is essential how such a crucial and influential sector such as tourism sectors that work with billions of people around the world conduct its journey keeping in mind low risk of viral transmission and implementation of safety procedure.
As the World Tourism Day approaches, UNWTO takes a step ahead with the launching of Tourism Recovery Track, an event that took place in Georgia. Known to be the first comprehensive recovery tracker worldwide, this site on UNWTO page shows several data to monitor relevant indicators throughout the recovery of tourism.
Created by Microsoft Power BI, the first page shows a selection bar covering regions worldwide and is divided continent wise into Africa, America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Pacific respectively. One can choose either of these regions or have a demonstrative analysis based on a worldwide selection.
The page demonstrates various data information covering the different topic and showing a comparative study following from the month of January to July. The data covers the following topics:
- International Tourist Arrivals
- Domestic and International Seat Capacity
- Actual Seat Reservations
- Occupancy Rates
- Hotel Searches
- Hotel Bookings
- Short term rentals
- Covid-19 Cases
Each of the graphs shows a gradual drop down ranging by 6% to 77% out of which 55% decline in hotel searches and a 77% decline in actual seat reservations stand out amongst rest. The only acceleration remains as a 46% rise in COVID-19 cases.
However, despite the unprecedented fall down, hotel searches seem to have levelled up a bit for July as compared to the earlier graph between March till May. August’s informatics have revealed 100% decline for International tourist arrivals in Thailand, followed by Spain, China, with the minimum decrease seen in the United Kingdom.
Alongside these essential details also comes the Covid-19 cases that have been seen around the world with Spain having the maximum and China, minimum impact.
It seems that whether or not Covid-19 bids adieu to us, things can’t halt any longer and that includes the urge of people to travel. A time awaits where tourism is to emerge in its full capacity and chances of situations to get out of control might be a possibility.
Known for education with responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, UNWTO’s new launch seems to be an essential tool in such a scenario. This necessity might be more than something one should be aware of apart from the Standard Operating Procedure.
A device is not only meant for travellers but for further impactful studies and experts. This new launch marks the credibility to UNWTO for promoting a safer and better future of tourism.
