Desk Report (Channel TT): The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the tourism industry within the world! Due to the resulting travel restrictions as well as slump in demand among travelers. The tourism industry has been massively affected by the spread of coronavirus, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions in an attempt to contain its spread.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimated that global international tourist arrivals might decrease by 58% to 78% in 2020, leading to a potential loss of US$0.9–1.2 trillion in international tourism receipts. In many of the world's cities, planned travel went down by 80–90%.! Conflicting and unilateral travel restrictions occurred regionally[4][5] and many tourist attractions around the world, such as museums, amusement parks, and sports venues closed. The latest data shows a 65% drop in international tourist arrivals in the first six months of 2020.

To limit the spread of Covid-19, more than 200 countries and territories worldwide have imposed measures that restrict or deter people from entering their respective borders, according to a report released last week by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. “Never before in history has international travel been restricted in such an extreme manner,” the report by UNWTO read. 

5 charts show which travel sectors were worst hit by the coronavirus: 

1.Measures that restrict travel:
To limit the spread of the coronavirus disease, a total of 217 countries and territories worldwide have imposed travel restrictions, according to a report by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization

2. Reduced commercial flights:
Such travel curbs have turned the travel and tourism industry into one of the largest casualties of the coronavirus pandemic.

3. Projected loss in airline revenue:
Airlines’ passenger revenue is estimated to plunge by $314 billion in total — or 55% — from 2019 levels, according to the International Air Transport Association.

4. Hotel occupancy drops:
In addition to airlines, hotels have also been hit by the reduction in travel. Hotel rates fell across all regions in March, according to data by STR, an analytics firm that tracks the hospitality sector.

5. Millions of jobs lost:  
Job losses in the travel industry could reach more than 100 million this year, according to an analysis by World Travel and Tourism Council.

U.S. Reopening To Tourism! 
The most important thing to know is that the U.S did not close its borders to all countries. They did however suspend tourist visas and banned Europe, Iran, Brazil and China from entering the United States. Here is everything you need to know about the United States reopening for international tourism.

Who can NOT travel to the United States?

1. Brazil
On May 25th, President Donald Trump banned all travelers from Brazil or anyone that has been to Brazil in the past 14 days. United States citizens are exempt from the proclamation and may return home from Brazil at anytime.

2. China
On January 31st, President Trump banned all travelers who have been to China in the past 14 days from entering the United States. The ban is still in place and strictly enforced. United States citizens are exempt from the proclamation and may return home from China at anytime. 

3. Iran
On January 31st, President Trump banned all travelers that have been to Iran in the previous 14 days. United States citizens are exempt from the proclamation and may return home from Iran at anytime. 

Europe and us allies:
As of March 14th, the Trump adminstration closed the U.S. borders to all travelers arriving from Europe. The ban is still in place meaning all Europen travelers can't travel to the USA at this time. 

Anyone coming from Europe or who has visited Europe in the last 14 days will not be permitted to enter the United States. 

31st European Countries included in the BAN: 
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland

No date has been set or projected for when European countries will be able to travel to the U.S. again. United States citizens are exempt from the proclamation and may return home at anytime.

Travel Restrictions - Fact Sheet for Canada and Mexico:
On October 19th, U.S state department has announce 'COVID-19' Related Travel Restrictions across the U.S. Borders with Canada and Mexico. The United States will temporarily limit inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to “essential travel”.
This action does not prevent U.S. citizens from returning home.

These restrictions are temporary and went into effect on March 21, 2020. They will remain in effect through 11:59 pm on November 21, 2020.  This decision has been coordinated with the Governments of Mexico and Canada.

The following categories do not fall within the definition of “essential travel:” Individuals traveling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events in the United States.

Who is considered an “essential” traveler?
1. Citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States.
2. Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States).
3. Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions.
4. Individuals traveling to work in the United States (e.g., individuals working in the agriculture industry who must travel between the United States and Canada or Mexico in furtherance of such work).
5. Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies).
6. Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (e.g., truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the United States and Canada and Mexico).
7. Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel.
8. Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.
9. The United States is coordinating closely with Canada and Mexico to protect our citizens while minimizing adverse economic impacts.

News Source: U.S state department and others