The impact of the covid-19 sanitary crisis on the spanish tourist sector

Abstract

The health crisis caused by COVID-19 has had serious consequences for the world economy, with tourism being one of the most affected sectors. The consideration of the coronavirus as a pandemic, by the World Health Organization (WHO), on March 11, led almost all countries around the world to take measures to slow down the advance of this virus. Specifically, 45% of the countries completely closed their borders and suspended air traffic, which had a direct impact on international tourist flows. According to estimates by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), these measures have caused a decrease of between 20-30% in international tourist arrivals worldwide. Although in countries, whose economic model depends largely on the tourism sector, the impact has been even greater. These countries include, among others, China, the United States, Italy and Spain.