Consistent opening of borders

The number of countries closed to international tourism has continued to decline. According to the eighth edition of the UNWTO Report on Travel Restrictions, 70% of all global destinations have eased travel restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In comparison, only one in four destinations still keep their borders completely closed to international tourists. The report shows that, as of November 1, a total of 152 destinations have reduced restrictions on international tourism, compared to 115 recorded on September 1. At the same time, 59 destinations have kept their borders closed to tourists, representing a decrease of 34 in the same two-month period. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The lifting of travel restrictions is essential to drive a broader recovery from the social and economic impact of the pandemic. Governments have an important role to play in providing data-driven and responsible travel advice and collaborating to lift restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.