East Africa’s tourism sector has lost more than $4.8 billion as well as more than 2 million jobs amid COVID-19 curbs.
The impact of the loss was felt across industries and other major sectors of the economy. It is estimated that tourism jobs in the region dropped from about 4.1 million to 2.2 million.
The report issued by the East African Business Council (EABC) showed that 4.2 million foreign tourists were unable to travel to their preferred East Africa Community tourist destinations.
The tourism industry contributes about 10% of the East Africa Community (EAC) partner states’ gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for more than 17% of export earnings.
According to the EABC Chief Executive Officer, John Bosco Kalisa, Visitors to national parks witnessed a significantly declined by about 65% which further affected wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Majority of the tourists visiting East Africa originate from Europe, the U.S. and parts of Asia.