The coronavirus pandemic and the crisis it has caused have cost the global tourism sector a total of $320 billion in lost revenue between January and May, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

That's more than three times as many as during the 2009 financial crisis, according to the organization. Compared to the same period last year, the pandemic has led to a 98 percent drop in the number of tourists globally.

”"This data makes clear the importance of restarting tourism as soon as it is safe. The dramatic fall in international tourism is putting the livelihoods of millions of people at risk, including in developing countries," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili in a statement.

Source: TT