COVID-19 pandemic.The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that the sector lost nearly $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs last year.
Airlines alone lost $126 billion last year and are on track to lose another $48 billion this year, according to their largest trade group.The rollout of vaccines against COVID-19 is giving government officials in many countries new confidence to welcome visitors.
But time is critical.“Summer is a strong season for most markets, particularly Europe and the U.K. We really hope to see restrictions ease,” said Virginia Messina, interim leader of the World Travel & Tourism Council.The patchwork of rules around the globe can be hard to follow for anyone planning a trip.