What would be the Impact Of COVID-19 on the Tour and Travel Industry?

​

The COVID-19 has engulfed the whole world very badly and according to experts, it will bring the worst crises in the world’s tourism industry. Whether it’s about adventure, heritage, cruise, inbound & outbound the Coronavirus will hit every segment of the tourism industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic deals a crippling blow to the world’s travel and tourism industry as most of the countries have suspended all visas. This disease has affected tour operations, hotels, destinations, restaurants, travel agents and family entertainment venues. The government of Saudi Arab has banned the entry of pilgrims to the holy land of Mecca. The Umrah visas from Canada and all other countries have been suspended by the foreign ministry of Saudi Arab. Every month the Umrah attracts approximately 10,000 pilgrims all over the globe but this year Saudi Arab will face a recession in the tourism sector. And this scenario has forced all travel agencies to cancel Umrah packages worldwide. The travel agents are advising and helping customers to postpone their travel dates if they want to cancel their reservation and book for alternate dates.

There is a decline in airfares and accommodation rates to many destinations of Arab countries that usually witness a peak in bookings ahead of Umrah & Hajj or during summer breaks.

Summer travel is the peak travel period in Arab countries, but due to the prevailing situation of Coronavirus Arab countries are facing a great blow in the tourism sector. As the number of cancellations of flights to Umrah pilgrimage increases, there is fear that the travel and tourism industry of Arab countries could take a bigger hit in 2020.

At the time of writing, there have been 740,235 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, 35,035 people have died globally, and 200 countries and territories have been impacted by this pandemic disease. The world’s Travel and Tourism Council has warned that Coronavirus can cut 50 million jobs worldwide in the travel and tourism industry and it has been reported that Asia will be the worst affected by this pandemic. It could take near about 1 year for the travel industry to recover after the outbreak is over.
​

The COVID-19 has convulsed the tourism industry of the whole world, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread. And this will result in the global contraction for the tourism business in the future.