An extraordinary G20 tourism ministers meeting was held on Friday with delegates making a series of pledges to assist the travel industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A joint statement was released at the end of the virtual meeting, saying to address the immediate issues, the ministers will keep coordinating with health, immigration, security, and other relevant authorities "to minimise undue restrictions for essential travel such as for medical workers and stranded individuals."
In regard to removing travel restrictions, the statement said lifting of current restrictions needs to be "coordinated and proportionate to the national and international situation, and ensure the safety of travellers."
The importance of the travel industry was highlighted with the ministers making a public commitment to "working with international organisations, industry partners, and across governments to include travel and tourism in response and recovery programs", recognising "the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of workers in travel and tourism and commit to working together to support an inclusive and sustainable recovery in the sector."
Ensuring a safe travel environment will "rebuild consumer confidence ... by strengthening regional and international coordination", the statement said.
On specific strategies, the statement added: "We commit to helping tourism sector businesses, especially micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs, and workers to adapt and thrive in a new post-crisis era, for example, by fostering innovation and digital technologies that enable sustainable practices and seamless travel. We commit to accelerating the transition of the travel and tourism sector onto a more sustainable path ? economically, socially and environmentally. To encourage inclusive recovery in the sector, we will work to support developing economies that rely on travel and tourism, especially in Africa and small island states."
"We will explore opportunities such as capacity building programs in travel and tourism to help the world economy recover, and help the sector become more inclusive, robust, and resilient. We commit to exchanging experiences and good practices, as well as strengthening coordination across governments to deliver integrated policy responses, including making continuous efforts in strengthening the resiliency of tourism," the statement concluded.
UK minister for tourism, Nigel Huddleston commented after the meeting: "I am in regular discussions with the UK tourism industry about what their priorities are for the recovery period. This includes how businesses can operate while there are still social distancing measures in place; what further guidance is needed; and whether there is a need for tapered support as businesses adjust. International visitors are a hugely important part of the UK visitor economy, making nearly 40 million visits here annually, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back when it is safe to do so."
Image Credit: Mohamed Mahmoud Hassan