Milton Peta
The global spread of the novel coronavirus has crushed hopes for stronger growth prospects this year and will hold 2020 global output gains to their slowest pace since the 2008 – 2009 financial crisis, International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva said at the beginning of last month. The picture is as grim in terms of the loss of human life as it is in the effects of the pandemic to the global economy especially the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector
To date, over 885,106 cases have been confirmed globally with over 44,202 deaths in the over 200 countries according to World Health Organisation (WHO). The most affected countries are China (where the virus originated in Wuhan), Italy, Spain, the United States of America, Germany, Iran, France, amongst many others.
A total of 5,856 confirmed cases and 201 deaths have been reported across 49 countries across Africa were reported as at 30 March 2020. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has already said that coronavirus disruption could cost African airlines $40 million in revenue this year as the continent’s airlines often count on lucrative Chinese routes. This also applies to the entire Tourism sector as China is the major contributor of tourist arrivals for most African Countries.
Coming closer home, IMF representative in Zimbabwe, Patrick Imam, also spelt out some of the areas that could be affected by coronavirus. Some of the key pillars of the economy that could be impacted significantly include but not limited to tourism, mining, and tobacco sector.
“Tourism will be impacted negatively. This is both because Chinese tourists will stop coming in large numbers for the coming months and, given the current uncertainty, tourists from all around the world will be scared to travel,” said Imam.
When these insights were shared a couple of weeks ago, little did we know the impact was going to be fast-tracked as is evident to date. The tourism and hospitality sector have not been spared let alone MICE Tourism. As Zimbabwe is part of a global village, the impact of what happens in China, Italy, Spain, USA, Nigeria or South Africa one way or the other will be felt locally. The tourism and hospitality sector to date has experienced a sharp decline in tourist arrivals and witnessed event cancellations and postponements resulting in lowest hotel/lodging occupancies in 28 years averaging 0.5%. Major airlines have suspended flights. For example, Emirates has cancelled all flights to Zimbabwe until mid-May, South African Airways has suspended all commercial operations until end of May. Travel bans and country lockdowns have even worsened the situation restricting both inbound and outbound tourism but as it is said, “better to be safe than sorry”.
It is of utmost importance for businesses and various organisations or institutions to adapt and stay afloat otherwise extinction is inevitable. Some local hotels have adapted by laying off staff, some have temporarily closed down until further notice and it is anticipated that 25 million people globally have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. In view of the foregoing scenario, the world should brace itself for the global recession.
- Milton Peta is a Banqueting Co-ordinator at a Harare hotel. He has a passion for special events, leadership, entrepreneurship, tourism and hospitality as well as philanthropy. He writes in his personal capacity.