Zurab Pololikashvili has been Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since January 2018. Pololikashvili was a Georgian politician and diplomat. From 2005 to 2009 he was Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia but the work he has in this post-confinement context is titanic, since the sector has been blocked for months and now each country is advancing at its own pace. He believes that there is no risk of flare-ups that could lead us to the situation we have experienced in the months before.

These days visit the Canary Islands, one of the destinations least affected by the pandemic in our country, as a sign of confidence in our market. «There are no arguments to think about a regrowth. We are returning to normal and the tourist will return, "he says.

The crisis has made many people afraid of tourism outside their country, is it safe to travel? Yes it is safe. Numbers say everything. We have been confined for two months at home but the borders have already been opened and it is gradually returning to normal. Tourists are coming back. First they will look at the numbers, how is the health situation, and then little by little they will return. Spain has been, along with Italy, one of the hardest hit European countries. Last year we received more than 80 million international tourists who are now wondering if it is a safe destination ... Now in Spain the situation is not the same as it was two months ago. There is no risk there was. It is safe to travel and that is why we are here in the Canary Islands, just as it is also safe to travel to Italy. Now it is time to travel. When do you foresee a recovery in tourism worldwide? Everything will depend on how the pandemic evolves. I am optimistic because there are no arguments that say that there will be a regrowth that forces a situation like the one we have experienced. We have taken very tough measures and the risk is much less. In addition, countries with the most delicate situation, such as the US or Brazil, among others, have closed borders, so the risk is better. In Spain, the sector expects a recovery by 2023 ... what do you think? It will depend on many things , especially in important markets for Spain, such as the US, Russia and all of Latin America, which is an important hub for Spain. They are also countries that spend a lot on their visits here, so this will affect Spain and that is why the recovery will depend on this, in order to return to the figures from before the pandemic. The airline sector, on which tourism depends, is very affected and there is concern in the sector, especially since airlines are still flying with very little capacity ... Are you concerned? If there are no planes, there is no tourism, and if there is no tourism there are no planes. We have issued a recommendation to countries to support the airline sector. After this crisis there will be new competition and new opportunities and that will regulate supply and demand. So do you think that tourists will regain confidence in the short to medium term? The risk is low and people are much more responsible. The healthcare system in Spain and in Europe is now much stronger. You also have to change the mindset, be more positive, have more confidence and be more responsible. You also have to know that the tourist market will change and that at any moment the situation may change.

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