Tourism

Tourism has been hit harder than most industries by the coronavirus pandemic. However, news that an effective vaccine could soon be available has raised hopes that a recovery may come sooner than expected.

Amid global travel restrictions, social-distancing protocols and prohibitions on mass gatherings, the world’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment has been forced to adapt to the pandemic, with some events shifting online and others being deferred.

Covid-19 dealt a body blow to the global travel industry, but there are signs that a recovery is slowly under way as policymakers make concerted efforts to meet pent-up demand for leisure tourism. However, business travel will take longer to recuperate, and may struggle to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Having been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, Egypt’s tourism sector is hoping for a rebound as the country prepares for a gradual reopening on July 1.

Strict lockdown measures and travel bans have helped Tunisia become a regional leader in eradicating cases of Covid-19. Now, with restrictions loosening and industries returning to work, the tourism sector has been highlighted as key to its economic rebound.

With the coronavirus pandemic causing the closure of national borders and the suspension of international travel, governments in emerging markets have begun to explore whether domestic tourism can kick-start their economies.