OECD - Policy Note: COVID-19 Tourism Policy Responses

  Today, the OECD released a policy note on the responses of countries to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism. Tourism is a significant part of many national economies, and the immediate and immense shock to the tourism sector resulting from the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the wider economy. The implied shock could amount to a 45-70% decline in the international tourism economy in 2020, depending on when international tourism arrivals begin to recover. This estimate is based on international tourism arrivals for the OECD areas, with two scenarios depending on if recovery starts in July, or September. The domestic tourism economy is also heavily affected by restrictions on the movement of people. This will translate into significant macro-economic effects in countries, cities and regions where the sector supports many jobs and businesses. The note provides an overview of the impact of this unprecedented crisis on the sector, and the policy measures introduced by countries in response. It will be updated as new information becomes available, and will inform discussions with the OECD Tourism Committee when it meets virtually on 1 April 2020 to discuss what action governments can take to respond to this crisis. To access the policy note COVID-19: Tourism Policy Responses, and for more information on the OECD response to the crisis, please visit the OECD Digital Content Hub on COVID-19 policy responses.