Travel restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are being eased in a growing number of destinations, allowing tourism to restart. The most recent findings of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) indicate 22 percent of all destinations around the world (48 destinations) have started to lift or lessen restrictions.

The latest update, the fifth edition of Covid-19 Related Travel Restrictions: A Global Review for Tourism, indicates the rebound is significantly more prominent in some regions of the world. Europe leads the way with 37 destinations, including 24 of the 26 Schengen member states. However, 65 percent of all destinations around the globe (141 destinations) continue to maintain completely closed borders to international tourism.

Restart

“The restart of tourism is of vital importance—for livelihoods, for businesses and for national economies,” said UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili. “UNWTO will continue to work with our member states around the world to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and to ensure that, when the time is right, tourism can help drive a responsible and sustainable recovery.”

As the specialized agency for tourism at the United Nations, UNWTO has been monitoring responses to the pandemic since the crisis began. Its report also makes it clear that many destinations are employing a cautious approach to the lifting or lessening of restrictions on travel.