(Photo: VOV)

The report reveals the full dramatic impact of travel restrictions designed to curb COVID-19 on the global economy, individual regions, and  job losses worldwide. Asia-Pacific was the worst performing region, with the sector’s contribution to GDP

dropping a damaging 53.7%, compared to the global fall of 49.1%. International visitor spending was particularly hard hit across Asia Pacific, falling by 74.4%,

as many countries across the region closed their borders to inbound tourists. Domestic

spending witnessed a lower but equally punishing decline of 48.1%.

Travel & Tourism employment in the region fell by 18.4%, equating to a shocking 34.1 million jobs. It says many countries have boosted domestic tourism through several initiatives and aid packages to encourage local travelers. In Vietnam, tourism served 56 million domestic visitors last year thanks to several stimulus programs.