June 3 - The latest research compiled by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), reveals that more than two million jobs could be created if international travel reopens before the busy summer period.

 

However, if current restrictions continue and international travel is not allowed to resume at a greater capacity over the next few months, WTTC warns that the potential U.S. job recovery will be cut in half, to only one million generated.

 

WTTC’s latest economic modeling found that $105 billion in the U.S.’s Travel & Tourism sector contribution to the national economy is at stake should travel not resume.

 

WTTC fears that if immediate steps are not taken for the U.S. to re-establish international travel now, the impact on the economy and the livelihoods of millions of those who work in the sector could be devastating.

 

Despite the increase in travel across the U.S., the region will experience significant financial ramifications by prolonging strict travel limitations.

 

With nearly 40% of Americans fully vaccinated and new COVID cases across the U.S. the lowest they have been in 11 months, consumer confidence in booking and planning getaways has strengthened.

 

According to WTTC’s recent Economic Impact Report (EIR), Travel & Tourism jobs within the U.S. declined by a third in 2020 (33.2%), equating to 5.51 million jobs.

 

While these job losses were felt across the entire Travel & Tourism ecosystem, as one of the world’s most diverse sectors, the impact on women, youth and minorities over the past year has been significant.

 

Despite the economic downturn of the past year, the U.S. has maintained its lead as the largest Travel & Tourism contributor in the global sector. WTTC warns the continuing lack of international travel could threaten the United States’ position as the world’s premier hub for business and leisure travel, as Europe and additional regions around the world begin to re-open.

 

The global tourism body has continued to argue that travel can safely resume through rapid and cost-effective testing, coupled with enhanced health and hygiene measures, mask wearing throughout the traveler journey alongside the successful vaccination rollout.

 

 

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