COVID-19: Africa’s travel and tourism industry loses almost $55 billion
- The (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, has shed light on the effect of COVID-19 on Africa's tourism industry
- She revealed that the industry has incurred a loss of about $55 billion
- According to her, some airlines may not be in business beyond COVID-19
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Information available to YEN.com.gh shows that African countries have lost an estimated $55 billion in travel and tourism revenues.
The loss was reportedly accumulated in three months and was the result of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
According to the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid, there would be a severe effect of lockdowns and border closures on the citizens.
Source: UGC
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She went on to say that it is likely Africa’s air industry would be particularly affected.
Classfmonline.com reported her as saying that the travel and tourism industry represents almost 10% of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Abou-Zeid explained that an estimated 24 million African families have their livelihoods linked to travel and tourism.
African airlines, she added, have seen a 95% or $8 billion drop in revenues, and it comes with along with other losses such as the deterioration of assets.
To Abou-Zeid, some airlines may cease operations even before COVID-19 ends and at present, some of them are facing difficulties.
In other news, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has lauded some countries with respect to plans taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
According to its Director-General, Roberto Azevêdo, some measures being implemented to deal with the pandemic are beginning to yield results.
This, he cautioned, must not lead to complacency but compel countries all over the world to intensify efforts geared towards full economic recovery.
READ ALSO: GACL: Akufo-Addo approves new partner to help revive aviation sector
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Source: YEN.com.gh
