TH2107
02 Task Performance 1 *Property of STI
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TASK PERFORMANCE (100 POINTS)
Instructions:
1. Read and analyze the following article.
Tourism and COVID-19
The COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity to rethink how tourism interacts with societies, other economic
sectors, natural resources, and ecosystems, measure and manage it better, ensure a fair distribution of
its benefits, and advance the transition toward a carbon-neutral and resilient tourism economy.
TOURISM AND COVID-19 – UNPRECEDENTED
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
• Tourism is one of the world’s major
economic sectors. It is the third-largest
export category (after fuel and chemicals)
and in 2019 accounted for 7% of global
trade.
• For some countries, it can represent over 20% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, overall,
it is the third largest export sector of the global economy.
• Tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting economies,
livelihoods, public services, and opportunities on all continents. As a result, all parts of its vast
value chain have been affected.
MASSIVE IMPACT ON LIVELIHOODS
• Tourism supports one in 10 jobs and provides livelihoods for many millions more in developing
and developed economies.
• As many as 100 million direct tourism jobs are at risk, in addition to sectors associated with
tourism such as labor-intensive accommodation and food services industries that employ 144
million workers worldwide. Small businesses (which shoulder 80% of global tourism) are
particularly vulnerable.
• In addition, the community quarantines and travel bans implemented are currently one of the
hurdles that tourism-related businesses are facing.
PRESERVING THE PLANET - MITIGATING IMPACTS ON NATURE AND CULTURE
• The sudden fall in tourism cuts off funding for biodiversity conservation. Some 7% of world
tourism relates to wildlife, a segment growing by 3% annually.
• The plummet of tourism activities also puts jobs at risk and has already led to a rise in poaching,
looting, and bushmeat consumption, partly due to the decreased presence of tourists and staff.
• For instance, many intangible cultural heritage practices such as traditional festivals and
gatherings have been halted or postponed, and with the closure of markets for handicrafts,
products, and other goods, indigenous women’s revenues have been particularly impacted.
• 90% of countries have closed World Heritage Sites, with immense socio-economic consequences
for communities reliant on tourism. Further, 90% of museums closed, and 13% may never
reopen.
Reference:
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (n.d.). Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on Tourism and COVID-19. Retrieved May 21,
2021, from https://www.unwto.org/tourism-and-covid-19-unprecedented-economic-impacts
