Touring Home

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns dealt a huge blow to tourism, tourism receipts, and the production of goods and services in the global tourism value-chain. This came with implications for income and employment. 


On the other hand, the pandemic may have facilitated an increase in the demand for services offered by local logistics firms and local tourist destinations. This is highly probable because immobile individuals and households need more doorstep delivery of goods and services.


Even though the sharp drop in the frequency of international travels may have adversely affected accruals from tourism, it may have reduced the global rate of emissions usually reported in top-tourist destinations.


As economies work towards recovery, domestic tourism-related service providers can work within the guidelines of COVID-19 regulations to generate bespoke vacation options for country residents. After all, there is no other place sweet like home.


In many developing countries with limited access to basic and advanced health-care infrastructure, elites in the upper income class are accustomed to opt for medical tours to advanced countries. Moreover, owing to poor working conditions and low value for human capital, a stream of bright medical practitioners from such climes are been wooed to pro-immigrant countries such as Canada.


Given the strict isolation periods (10-14 days) observed by many countries at entry and exit points, it may be highly risky to transport local patients overseas in search of advanced medical care. Therefore, investments in the development of local healthcare capacity is urgent and pertinent.


Developing countries and all those who care about them must realise that human capital is the oil in the wheels of domestic economic growth and development. Let us work to build local sustainable healthcare systems for all.


Yes we can!



Photo credit: UNCTAD

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