Closer global ties urged to curb COVID-19 impact on tourism

Closer global ties are called for to stave off the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and boost economic recovery, said the World Tourism Cities Federation on Saturday during the ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services.

Facing the pandemic, cities from across the world should work together for mutually recognized criteria on risk evaluation, and conduct risk measurement in a fair and subjective manner, said WTCF in its Action Guide on Recovery and Revitalization of City Tourism amid COVID-19, released on Saturday.

The Action Guide also suggests cities set up systems that can retrieve tourists' health information to avoid possible contamination. It also called for a more convenient and efficient border check and clearance system to boost global tourism.

According to the World Tourism Organization, revenue related to global tourism is expected to drop by 58 percent to 78 percent, impacted by the pandemic.

To mitigate the negative impact caused by the pandemic, the Action Guide also suggests cities take comprehensive measures for pandemic prevention and control, coordinate the orderly resumption of tourism activities, and implement incentive policies to support the industry.

Cities that grow to be the destination of tourism in the post-pandemic era should also establish a service platform for pandemic information sharing with other cities, ensure that a proper rescue system is established in the case of an emergency, promote innovative models and products using advanced technologies, and take measures to raise visitors' awareness of safety during their trips.

The WTCF also released the Report on Recovery and Development of World Tourism Amid COVID-19, which summarized and analyzed supportive measures for the tourism industry from six member cities and their home countries.