TOURISM – A GLOBAL CHALLENGED INDUSTRY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

10% of the EU's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated by the tourism industry. In some countries like Greece or Malta, tourism accounts for 20-25% of those countries' GDP. According to the EU Commission, Spain generated around 145 billion euros in the tourism sector, while German hotels and tour operators generate around 240 billion euros a year. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that during this coronavirus crisis, 96% of all tourist destinations in the world cannot be visited, thus calling for the restrictions to be ended as soon as possible in a coordinated global manner based on scientific health research. The economic situation of the tourism industry is catastrophic, not only in southern Europe along the Mediterranean Sea, but also in other parts of Europe, such as Germany. The tourism industry expects a drop of up to 70% in bookings this year. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) Commission predicts that cruise companies will be the most affected with losses of up to 90%.