Michael Shoory, Senior Economist
Michael is currently conducting economic impact analysis and custom research projects.
Various Policy Responses to COVID-19, June 2020
In almost every country there has been some form of policy response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the first instance, these have been aimed at slowing the spread of the virus – such policies have included restrictions on international arrivals and internal lockdowns that limit domestic travel. Unsurprisingly, these restrictions have had a significant impact on both the Travel & Tourism sector and the broader economy. This has necessitated further policies aimed at mitigating the negative economic effects from containing the virus.
While these broad ‘mitigation’ policies will help most parts of the economy at least to some extent, those targeted at supporting the Travel & Tourism sector are most of interest to us. So far, these have mostly been speculative, though there is a clear intention among European destinations to coordinate border re-openings and marketing efforts to maximize visitors in the traditional peak European summer season, and boost visitation in the shoulder Autumn season to regain recent losses.
Moreover, as restrictions are gradually lifted, the pathways to recovery have significant implications for travel flows, with domestic and short-haul tourism expected to return most quickly, including via reciprocal ‘travel bubbles’. These policies are discussed in our research briefing Policy Responses to COVID-19.
