It is no secret that COVID 19 has had devastating consequences for countries around the globe. With almost 120 million tourism jobs at risk because of the pandemic, businesses are faced with difficult choices. Italy especially has been hard hit as it is typically one of the world’s top tourist destinations every year.
However, recently there has been some positive news for the country. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced Italy would feature the launch of the new global Restart Tourism drive. Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili arriving in Italy on Wednesday, July 1, to start preparations.
“I am very happy that Italy is UNWTO’s first destination,” said Pololikashvili. “It is one of our strongest allies and a world tourism leader. The sector provides millions of jobs in Italy and protects and valorizes the country’s unique cultural heritage, from art to gastronomy”
His trip will include stops in Milan, Venice, and Rome. Pololikashvili plans to meet with foreign minister Luigi Di Maio and culture minister Dario Franceschini.
The Restart Tourism campaign was developed by the UNWTO’S Global Tourism Crisis Committee in early June. The main priority of the campaign is to protect jobs, coordinate procedures with private and public sectors for re-openings, add jobs through new technologies, and recover confidence in the industry. The motto is “Innovation and Sustainability as the new normal.”
One major push in the campaign is for tour operators and travel agencies to offer incentives for local travel. With many borders still closed or travel restrictions in place, Italy could benefit from focusing their attention on travelers within their own country. There is also encouragement for combined hotel and car packages and coordination with insurance companies.
If you’re interested in reviewing the UNWTO’s full list of guidelines click here.
Sources:
- Italy First on Tourism Campaign [ANSA.it]
- Restarting Tourism [UNWTO]
- Italian Tourism [BBC]
- Feature Picture [NeedPix]
