CTS Projects $3.6bn Dip For Italy’s Tourism Industry On Deadly Virus Attack
OMOTAYO ARAOYE
The tourism sector in Italy has taken a hit from the deadly coronavirus as it expects a 3.2 billion Euro or $3.6 billion drops in turn-over as the ravaging pandemic keeps visitors in their countries and pushing revenue figures down, the worst in over 20 years.
The outcome of a survey by the Centre For Tourism Studies (CTS) notes the impact on the sector which is one of the engines of Italy’s economy is the worst since 1998
In 2018, Italy welcomed over 60 million foreign tourists but in 2020, but there is fear that less than 4 million tourists would turn up as a result of the unforeseen crisis caused by the pandemic.
The World Tourism Organization (WTO)also expects a decrease and the worst year for the sector if it continues like this.
Nearly half of the drop in revenue will come from the hotel sector, noted the CTS study, which surveyed more than 2,100 entrepreneurs in the sector.
The president of Assoturismo, Vittorio Messina, who wants to take a proactive measure said, “We have to make a plan for the revival of the sector which represents 13 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and our calling card abroad”.
After a two-month lockdown, Italy allowed European tourists to return on June 3, but incoming tourists from outside the Schengen zone are still prohibited.
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