Global tourism faces turbulence but shows resilience, says Gloria Guevara

New York, Apr 15 (EFE).– Global tourism has shown strong resilience and recovery capacity despite disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, which has affected air connectivity and increased flight costs, said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, in an interview with EFE.

Camera: Ángel Colmenares.

Footage of statements by Gloria Guevara.

Translation:

1. "What’s happening in that region—if we look at the numbers—is that more than 500,000 passengers are affected every day. That’s one impact. The second impact is related to the whole issue of oil prices, but especially the price of jet fuel, because we must remember that 30% of airlines’ operating costs come from fuel".

2. "With an increase of 200% to 300% in some cases. Recently, it was over $200, for example, so it has a significant impact on ticket prices. The third impact of what’s happening in the region is the whole issue of insurance today. That remains a challenge—not only insuring the planes flying to the region and the ships, but also the passengers. Our sector, as I was saying, is very resilient".

3. "And travelers have short memories. Normally, when they see that the situation is being handled well and there is a high degree of certainty, they return to travel to that region again. So we are basing our planning on what past crises have taught us and on how this situation is being managed for the different scenarios we are planning for".