Tourism industry''s share in GDP falls 120 bps to 4.7 pc in 2020 due to pandemic impact: Report

The share of the travel and tourism sector in the GDP reduced by 120 basis points to 4.7 per cent in 2020, from 6.9 per cent in 2019, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that led to a de-growth of over 36 per cent in the sector, according to a report.

Quoting data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, SBI Research in a report said contribution of the travel and tourism sector to GDP went down from 6.9 per cent in 2019 to 4.7 per cent in 2020.

The first wave of the pandemic led to a whopping 36.3 per cent de-growth in the the travel and tourism sector, according to the report.

This has led to the number of jobs going down from 4.01 crore in 2019 to 3.18 crore in 2020, indicating a 20.8 per cent decline in employment, indicating the massive hit the sector took in the year, it added.

The major revenue for the tourism sector comes from domestic travellers, which in 2019 stood at 82 per cent and increased to 89 per cent in 2020, as airlines were not allowed to operate scheduled commercial flights, the report said.

To boost international travel, on the demand of industry, the government on Monday announced free tourist visas till the end of March 2022, or till five lakh visas are issued, whichever is earlier.

The overall expenditure is expected to be Rs 100 crore on free visas, the report said.

The government had on Monday extended 100 per cent credit guarantee of Rs 10 lakh to each agency for 904 travel and tourism stakeholders recognised by the Union tourism ministry, as well as Rs 1 lakh per guide for 10,700 tourist guides licensed at regional or state level.

The Reserve Bank of India had earlier announced a special window for contact-intensive sectors like tourism. Loans will be provided with a 100 per cent guarantee and will cover 10,700 regional-level tourist guides recognised by the states. PTI BEN HRS hrs

NRAI launches New Chapter in Chandigarh, appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head

Key Take Away

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) represents the interests of 500000+ restaurants across India. The Indian Restaurant Industry’s leading Association India launches New Chapter in Chandigarh and appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter

Commenting on his new role as Head of NRAI’s Chandigarh Chapter, He said, “It is my honour to take up the responsibility as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter. “

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WTTC Outlines What “The New Normal” Will Look Like As We Start To Travel

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has outlined what the "new normal" will look like as countries begin to end their COVID-19 lockdowns and ease travel restrictions.

"Travelling in the New Normal" is part of WTTC's plan which includes critical steps and coordinated actions, including new standards and protocols, which offer a safe and responsible road to recovery for the global Travel & Tourism sector as consumers start planning trips again.

Public-private collaboration between business and governments is vital to develop new health protocols which will form the travel experience and also provide people with strong reassurances when travelling.

WTTC believes younger travellers in the 18-35 age group, who appear to be less vulnerable to COVID-19, may also be among the first to begin travelling once again.

"We should avoid new, unnecessary procedures that create bottle necks and slow down the recovery. However, a quick and effective restart of travel will only happen if governments around the world agree to a common set of health protocols developed by the private sector, such as those we've outlined.

"These must provide the reassurance travellers and authorities need, using new technology, to offer hassle-free, pre-vaccine 'new normal' travel in the short term."

This includes the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Airport Council International (ACI), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), United States Travel Association (USTA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Travel Commission (ETC) and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

IATA, ACI and ICAO are pooling their crucial expertise and are working closely to define the best protocols to keep travellers and employees safe to enable the aviation sector to recover. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health experts have also contributed by providing their experience from various global medical crises.

There will be new protocols for check-in involving digital technology; hand sanitiser stations at frequent points including where luggage is stored; contactless payment instead of cash; using stairs more often than lifts where the 2 meter rule can be harder to maintain; and fitness equipment being moved for greater separation among other examples.

There are positive signs of the first green shoots of recovery. Research by travel data and analytics expert Cirium shows that over 30% of domestic capacity has returned to the Chinese aviation market in the last two months

WTTC says the Travel & Tourism sector is now facing over 100 million job losses worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, at a cost of up to US$2.7 trillion of GDP.

In 2019, Travel & Tourism contributed 10.3% of Global GDP, was responsible for generating one in four of the world's new jobs and, for nine successive years, had outpaced the growth of the global economy.

In “The Day After”, Hospitality is the Future

Over 7.1 million people infected in all regions of the world and far too many losses. World Trade expected to fall by between 13% and 32%.

A massive 75 million jobs at risk as per the UN World Tourism Organization, a 20 to 30% expected drop in international tourist arrivals, 2.1 Trillion $ of GDP loss, with 80% of small and medium-sized companies endangered.

Thanks to a dedicated on-line task force, we all switched to distant and online learning, producing thousands of videos on nearly all topics covering everything from mixology to finance or revenue management. Our faculty members have once again proven their incredible commitment to our students who are now connected to us from everywhere in the world.

Every day around the world, corporate, personal and collective initiatives are multiplying to support medical and hospital staff, who are more mobilized now than ever. The Chefs of our schools have joined forces to support and bring a bit of comfort to these health warriors.

The word "Hospitality" has never been so meaningful: empathy, generosity, sense of service…

As a first sign of recovery, close to 90% of the hotels in China are now reopened, and China air traffic is running at above 40% of its capacity. Moreover, governments around the globe are preparing and starting to implement post-confinement strategies.

We have the unique opportunity to create a "Day After" that is more balanced and more sustainable, and Hospitality will be one of its driving forces.

Hospitality, amounting to 10% of global GDP and accounting for one out of nine jobs worldwide, will be one of the main contributors to the rebound of the world economy and to job market recovery.

In "The Day After", Hospitality is the future.