But experts do not expect a return to pre-Covid-19 international tourist arrival levels until 2023 or later, according to UNWTO. A rebound in international tourism is expected in the second half of this year, but the UNCTAD report still shows a loss of between 1.7 trillion dollars and 2.4 trillion dollars in 2021, compared with 2019 levels. The results are based on simulations that capture the effects of international tourism reduction only, not policies such as economic stimulus programmes that may soften the pandemic's impact on the sector. In July last year, UNCTAD estimated that a four- to 12-month standstill in international tourism will cost the between 1.2 trillion dollars and 3.3 trillion dollars, including indirect costs. According to UNWTO, international tourist arrivals declined by about 1 billion or 74 per cent between January and December 2020.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 30, 2021 07:18 UTC