Lost tourism jobs and economic contribution could be restored by 2022, WTTC says

The global tourism and travel industry's economic contribution and jobs hit by the pandemic could be restored by 2022 if international travel restarts in June this year.

The 62 million jobs lost in 2020 could return by 2022 if the global vaccine rollout continues at pace and travel restrictions are relaxed just before the busy summer season, the World Travel & Tourism Council said in a report on Thursday.

The sector's contribution to global gross domestic product is expected to rise by 48.5 per cent this year and could almost reach pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with a further year-on-year rise of 25.3 per cent next year, the council said.

"WTTC strongly advocates the resumption of safe international travel in June this year," it said.

The tourism and travel body urged governments to undertake comprehensive, coordinated international testing measures on departure for all non-vaccinated travellers in order to eliminate quarantines. It also called for continued support for the sector, including fiscal, liquidity and worker protection.

"The introduction of digital health passes, such as the recently announced 'Digital Green Certificate', will support the sector's recovery," it said, referring to Europe's health travel pass.

The council also called on governments around the world to "provide a clear and decisive roadmap, allowing businesses time to ramp up their operations in order to recover from the ravages of the pandemic".

The call for support comes after the sector’s contribution to GDP nearly halved last year. It fell 49.1 per cent in 2020 to $4.7 trillion (5.5 per cent of the global economy) from nearly $9.2tn during the previous year (10.4 per cent of the global economy).

"With the sector’s contribution to GDP plunging by almost half, it’s more important than ever that travel and tourism is given the support needed so it can help power the economic recovery, which will be instrumental in enabling the world to revive from the effects of the pandemic," Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said.

More than 62 million tourism jobs were lost last year, representing a drop of 18.5 per cent, leaving 272 million employed across the industry globally.

The impact on SMEs, women, youth and minorities in the industry was particularly "significant", the council said.

International travel spending plunged 69.4 per cent in 2020 on the previous year, WTTC said, as the pandemic shuttered borders.

Domestic travel spending fell by 45 per cent.

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

Jigra

Director: Vasan Bala

Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh

Rated: 3.5/5

Managing the separation process

Choose your nursery carefully in the first place
Relax – and hopefully your child will follow suit
Inform the staff in advance of your child’s likes and dislikes.
If you need some extra time to talk to the teachers, make an appointment a few days in advance, rather than attempting to chat on your child’s first day
The longer you stay, the more upset your child will become. As difficult as it is, walk away. Say a proper goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back
Be patient. Your child might love it one day and hate it the next
Stick at it. Don’t give up after the first day or week. It takes time for children to settle into a new routine.And, finally, don’t feel guilty.

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If you go

Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.