联合国-报告：疫情与旅游业转型（英文）-2002.8-27页_755kb

Summary of "Policy Brief: COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism"

Core Content

The Policy Brief: COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism outlines the profound economic, social, and environmental impacts of the pandemic on the global tourism sector. It emphasizes the opportunity for transformation to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism industry aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Main Points

• Tourism's Global Significance: Tourism is a major economic driver, generating 7% of global trade, employing 1 in 10 people globally, and contributing significantly to GDP and exports in many countries. It is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic.

• Economic Impact:

  • International tourist arrivals dropped by 56% in the first months of 2020, with a potential decline of 58% to 78% for the year.
  • The sector lost $320 billion in exports, over three times the loss from the 2009 crisis.
  • Tourism is estimated to have caused a global GDP loss of $1.17 trillion to $2.22 trillion, depending on the duration of the crisis.
  • The sector is particularly critical for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and many African nations, where it represents over 30% of exports in most SIDS and up to 80% in some.

• Impact on Livelihoods:

  • The tourism crisis threatens 100 to 120 million direct jobs and millions more indirectly.
  • MSMEs, which make up 80% of tourism businesses, are highly vulnerable.
  • Informal workers, women, and youth are among the most affected groups, with women constituting 54% of the tourism workforce.

• SDG Implications:

  • Tourism is directly referenced in SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 14 (life below water).
  • The crisis risks reversing progress on the SDGs, especially in areas such as gender equality (SDG 5) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).

• Environmental and Climate Change Concerns:

  • Tourism contributes 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and its recovery must align with climate goals to avoid exacerbating the environmental crisis.
  • The shutdown of tourism has led to a loss of income for protected areas and communities, risking biodiversity and conservation efforts.
  • Wildlife and nature-based tourism, which are crucial for many destinations, have suffered due to reduced visitor numbers and increased poaching.

• Cultural Impacts:

  • The crisis has disrupted cultural and creative industries, which generate $2.25 trillion annually in global revenues.
  • 90% of countries closed World Heritage sites and 85,000 museums, impacting the cultural and social fabric of communities, especially indigenous peoples.

• Opportunity for Transformation:

  • The crisis presents an opportunity to rebuild tourism in a more sustainable and inclusive way.
  • A roadmap for transformation includes five key areas: managing the crisis, boosting competitiveness, advancing innovation and digitalization, fostering sustainable green growth, and strengthening coordination and partnerships.

Key Information

• Tourism and Economic Recovery:

  • Tourism is a critical sector for economic recovery, especially for developing economies.
  • Governments have implemented various support measures, including tax deferrals, special funds, and debt restructuring.

• Digitalization and Innovation:

  • Technology and digital solutions can play a central role in the recovery and transformation of tourism.
  • Investment in digital skills is essential to support workers who have lost jobs or are temporarily unemployed.

• Sustainability and Green Growth:

  • Tourism must align with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Green investments should target protected areas, renewable energy, and the circular economy.

• Inclusivity and Equity:

  • The recovery must prioritize inclusiveness, ensuring that vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and informal workers are not left behind.
  • Policies should ensure a fair distribution of benefits and support decent work opportunities.

• Coordination and Partnerships:

  • A collective and coordinated response from all stakeholders is essential for a successful transformation.
  • The UNWTO Global Tourism Crisis Committee has played a key role in formulating a sector-wide response.

Conclusion

The Policy Brief underscores the need for a collective, coordinated, and transformative approach to rebuilding the tourism sector. It calls for a focus on people-centered development, sustainability, digital innovation, and inclusive growth, ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the SDGs and global resilience in the face of future crises.