Next Vacay has created a powerful video working with suffering locals from many beach and tourist destinations following the journey of the hardest-hit holiday spots across the world, capturing their desperate calls for help via SOS signs carved into their coastlines.
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact in countries around the world on the tourism industry, local economies, and jobs. Tourist destinations across the globe were forced to close up shop as travel bans and lockdowns left visitor numbers plummeting.
Next Vacay has created a powerful video working with suffering locals from many beach and tourist destinations following the journey of the hardest-hit holiday spots across the world, capturing their desperate calls for help via SOS signs carved into their coastlines.
Thailand loses $13.5bn to their economy after visitor numbers falling drastically by 2.75million
4th on the list of most impacted destinations for dropping visitors is Thailand. Out of all the hotspots analyzed, Thailand was the hardest hit of them all financially, losing an estimated 21% of GDP. Usually, a bustling paradise destination, after the pandemic hit the locals saw visitor numbers fall drastically from 3.3 million tourists each month to just over half a million. Overall, we found that Thailand has lost a potential $13.4 billion due to the pandemic.
The 10 destinations with the biggest drop in visitors
How to support the local economy when you’re on vacation
To help these countries’ tourism industries that were affected by COVID, we recommend visitors make a conscious effort to support the local economy. Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay, has some tips to help support these communities when you’re on vacation:
Create a more authentic experience and stay in the local hotels rather than chains
When you visit attractions, hire a local tour guide. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you’ll also be adding a new experience to your trip.
Buy souvenirs from street vendors and local businesses rather than duty-free.
Eat like the locals. There are plenty of independent restaurants run by locals where you can experience the culture through their cuisine rather than sticking to larger chains.
Leave good reviews online for places you’ve enjoyed to help bring in new customers.
From Macau to Greece, nowhere has escaped the impact of COVID-19, and this data shows the severity of the situation.
Methodology:
By looking at the GDP of each country in 2020 and then the estimated loss in GDP (calculated by UNWTO) we calculated the forecasted loss in $.
% GDP related to tourism – these figures are sourced from Knoema.
YoY Change in Ave. Monthly visitors – this was calculated using 2019 and 2020 data from trading economics.
YoY Change in Employed population – this was calculated using 2019 and 2020 data from trading economics.
SV for terms surrounding holidays to specified countries – 4 terms were used and the average 12-month trend was calculated.
All currency conversions are correct as of 4th September 2021.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
