With the uncertain future of tourism, The Arab League decided to hold an emergency virtual session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism next Wednesday. Under the chairmanship of Saudi Arabia, Arab tourism ministers and relevant organizations and unions will come together to lead conversations on potential solutions to face currents challenges amidst the health crisis.
The Director of the Department of Transport and Tourism at the Arab League, Dr. Dina Al-Zahir said that the League coordinated with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism to hold a virtual emergency session.
She added that according to the joint statement issued by the Arab Organization for Tourism, the Arab Civil Aviation Organization, and the Arab Air Transport Association, the tourism and travel sector represents 14.2 percent of the Arab countries’ GDP, where it contributes significantly to advancing the economy.
Tourism can play a key role in accelerating the recovery of the global economy after #COVID19.https://t.co/AdKI75vO2N
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) April 13, 2020
When it comes to estimated losses, tourism revenues lost about about $25 billion, airline companies’ revenues are at $8 billion, and tourism investments stand at $12.96 billion.
One million permanent jobs and hundreds of thousands of seasonal jobs are at risk of cancellation in the sector, according to the statement.
The Director of the Department of Transport and Tourism emphasized that the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism reckon Arab states' response to limit the outbreak of coronavirus and their ability to implement measures and policies to speed up recovery from the outcomes on the tourism sector.
