New Zealand tourism industry one of the hardest hit by COVID-19

By MiNDFOOD

The countries most reliant on tourism by visualcapitalist.com
The countries most reliant on tourism by visualcapitalist.com
As Covid-19 lockdown closed boarders around the world, the shock to the global travel industry was unprecedented.

Airplanes around the world were grounded, hotels shut their doors and tourist attractions closed until further notice. With all the closures went millions of job around the world. According to the latest research by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the tourism industry employs 330 million people worldwide, contributing to 10%, or $8.9 trillion, of the global GDP.

44 countries rely on tourism for 15% or more of their total share of employment. New Zealand is one of these countries.

The biggest travel losers

Like many countries around the world, New Zealand relies on tourism for a significant share of employment. 479,000 jobs are generated locally by the travel and tourism industry, 20% of the employed workforce in New Zealand.

Island nations, such as the Maldives, rely on tourism for over 60% of their employment.

Countries such as Spain are expected to loose 62 billion Euros (US$68 billion) in tourism revenue this year. The current epicentre of Covid-19, the US, is the biggest loser with expected revenue loss set to reach US$1.8 trillion. The next most affected economies are China and Japan.

In Australia, travel contributes 10.8% to the GDP.

On the other hand, South Korea is impacted less as tourism contributes only 2.8% to national GDP.

The countries most reliant on tourism by visualcapitalist.com

Enter the travel bubble

While the concept of ‘travel bubbles’ may appear daunting to some, it would ensure economies and the tourism sectors begin generating revenue again and employing staff. Australian and New Zealand governments have both committed to a travel agreement in the near future. Let’s hope for the travel industry, it isn’t too far away. In the meantime, Kiwis and Aussies need to get out and explore their backyards. Kiwis can already do this and Australian states are opening up in the next few weeks.

Wondering where to go?

Check out our favourite holiday picks in NSW and our must do Kiwi hikes.

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