The Transformation Opportunity of Tourism after COVID-19

Abstract

Although challenged by the trials and hardships brought by the SARS in 2003 and the global economic downturn in 2009, international tourism has seen the number of global tourists exceeding 1 billion in 2012 and reaching 1.035 billion, and the number has been growing over the years. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) stated that the global tourism industry has witnessed a growth of 10 consecutive years in 2019, with the number of tourists being 1.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 4%. It is estimated that the trend would continue in 2022. However, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has posed great threat to the tourism and entertainment industry. According to the UNWTO, the number of global tourists will decrease by 850 million to 1.1 billion in 2020, which will bring a loss of US$910 billion to US$1.2 trillion to the tourism industry in the world. The tourism industry in Taiwan, China has also been greatly affected by the pandemic. This article, based on the development trend of global tourism and the status quo of the tourism industry in Taiwan, China, discusses the influence of COVID-19 may have on the tourism industry. However, opportunities always accompany crisis. To attract those who love going abroad to travel and consume inside the country, efforts should be made to make tourism plans for domestic tourist destinations and set up strategies and measures to promote the development of tourism industry. mTo attracts foreigners to Taiwan, China, the concept of travel bubble can be adapted to cooperate with Asian areas. As for the planning and development strategy of domestic tourism industry, we can create sensational experience and launch sustainable travel themes to trigger the desire of in-depth travel and living in tourist destinations.