At the end of 2020, tourism is facing the future with determination

We are at the end of what has been the most difficult year in the history of tourism.

Almost overnight, the pandemic brought world tourism to a complete standstill.

Millions of people lost the opportunity to explore different places and learn about different cultures and customs. And the world lost the opportunities that tourism provided to create jobs, support businesses, drive development and protect and preserve everything that moves us to leave our homes to see it.

However, faced with such a setback, tourism ends the year more united and determined than ever.

The Global Tourism Crisis Committee, created in March shortly after the pandemic was declared, recently held its last meeting of 2020

This unique cross-sectoral platform coordinates international efforts and has proved crucial in guiding our response to the COVID-19 and in informing the measures and tools to mitigate its impact on employment and business.

Despite the new and constantly changing developments of the pandemic, the Committee intends to accelerate the resumption of tourism, always starting from the current global health situation.

Harmonised and consistent travel protocols are essential to restore confidence in international travel and get tourism back on track. The UNWTO will maintain the momentum generated in 2020 for the new year.

In recent months, we have managed to get political and business leaders to listen to us and to introduce tourism into their plans. We have emphasized the importance of tourism to almost all areas of our societies, and that message has recently been amplified through our partnership with CNN and reinforced through high-level face-to-face visits to Member States, including Portugal, Tunisia, Namibia, Brazil, Uruguay, Egypt, Italy, France, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

This unitary approach has helped to ensure that tourism has attracted an unprecedented level of financial support and political will and has been rewarded with public recognition. The European Commission has led the way by turning words of encouragement into firm action, especially by providing unprecedented financial support to tourism at this crucial time.

On face-to-face visits to leaders in the Americas, Africa and Europe, and having heard the European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas speak at the last meeting of the World Tourism Crisis Committee, we now call on governments to do more, to show that safe international travel is not only possible, but given the social and economic benefits that only tourism can bring, it is also essential.

The news of a vaccine against COVID-19 certainly gives us reason for cautious optimism. However, the resumption of tourism - and of the activity of the many millions of people who depend on it - cannot wait for mass vaccinations to become a reality.

It is time to reconsider the rules on quarantines for tourists and to take advantage of innovation and new solutions to test travellers before or after their travels. In addition, travel restrictions should be eased or removed in a responsible and coordinated manner as soon as it is safe and feasible.

The important steps that have been taken to ensure better coordination and avoid paralysis are important in preparing for the new year. 2021 could be a crucial year for the resumption of tourism, but only if we continue on this path.

The foundations have been laid for this to be a turning point. It is time to guide our sector towards greater sustainability and inclusiveness and to unleash its immense potential to generate lasting development and change for all. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

Now, as we pause and reflect, I send you my best wishes from Madrid. Wherever you are, and however you celebrate, I wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Zurab Pololikashvili. Secretary-General of UNWTO/The Diplomat