This is encouraging progress, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). According to the agency, by the end of June 40% of the world's destinations had eased the restrictions put in place for international travellers with the introduction of COVID-19.
The 40% figureThis figure, put forward by the World Tourism Organisation, comes from the latest report published by the agency on 19 July. It is, however, a real improvement on the previous report, dated 15 June, when only 22% of countries had relaxed the conditions for entry into their territory. This percentage was already a significant improvement on 15 May. On that date, the UNWTO had calculated that only 3 % of countries offered simplified entry conditions. According to UNWTO analysts, this development confirms the trend towards a "slow but steady adaptation and a responsible resumption of international tourism".
Europe sets the example
The organisation's data shows that of the 87 destinations that have now relaxed travel restrictions, only four have completely lifted all forms of restrictions. For 83 others, the relaxation is partial, with borders still closed to certain types of traveller, for example. Some 115 destinations (53 % of all destinations worldwide) continue to keep their borders completely closed to tourism.
