Travel to the Middle East, tourism revenue could be $ 246 billion in 2022 and travel

Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2022

A new study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that Middle East travel and tourism revenue could reach 6 246 billion this year, just 8.9% behind pre-epidemic levels.

In 2019, before the epidemic hit and began to devastate economies around the world, the region’s travel and tourism sector was booming, generating $ 270 billion in revenue.

However, when Covid-19 almost completely halted international travel in 2021, its contribution was reduced by 51.1%, resulting in a whopping loss of over $ 138 billion.

Recent research by the WTTC shows that as the region continues to recover from the epidemic, major markets reopen and travel restrictions are relaxed, the sector’s contribution to employment this year could almost reach pre-epidemic levels.

Furthermore, the study reveals that if countries continue to introduce inoculation programs at a faster pace this year and world travel restrictions are relaxed, 6.8 million people could be employed in this sector by the end of 2022, down just 40,000 from the previous year. Epidemic level.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson says the COVID-19 epidemic has caused significant damage to the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East, but we now have reason to be truly optimistic.

Since the epidemic began, governments across the Middle East have shown genuine commitment to travel and tourism.

Saudi Arabia in particular has shown strong leadership during the crisis and is investing heavily in the sector.

He added that 2022 is poised for a strong recovery if governments across the region open their borders and lift travel restrictions, which will have far-reaching positive effects on the economy, society and jobs.

To get as close to pre-epidemic levels as possible this year, the WTTC says governments around the world must focus on the vaccine rollout and allow fully vaccinated travelers to move freely.

The World Tourism Organization urges governments in the Middle East and around the world to eliminate the patchwork of restrictions and enable international travel using digital solutions that allow travelers to prove their position in a quick, easy and secure way.

As for Egypt, El-Batuti – a UNWTO economic adviser, a member of the UN Economic Commission for Europe and a board member of the German Travel Association – told a new media outlet in February that Egypt was a good reason to be optimistic. The first tourist destination where recovery has begun.

He said final figures for 2021 are not available, but he expects the number of tourists visiting Egypt to reach 4.5 million in 2021, and expects that number to reach 7 million in 2022. , Estimates the coronavirus does not develop further, and if it does, Egypt’s tourism revenue will reach about $ 7.2 billion.

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Tags: COVID-19 epidemic, German travel agency, UNWTO, WTTC