UAE Business: Pandemic cost culture up to 40% in lost revenue, says Unesco – Gulf Digital News

UAE Business: Pandemic cost culture up to 40% in lost revenue, says Unesco – Gulf Digital News

Covid-19 pandemic had wreaked havoc on several key industries around the world with tourism and culture being the most hit globally. Culture industry lost more than 10 million jobs in 2020 alone and witnessed a 20 to 40% drop in revenues across the sector, according to Unesco.

The sector also saw a decline of 25% of its Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2020. However, while most of the sector suffered a sharp decline, online publishing and audiovisual platforms experienced growth due to increased reliance on digital content during the pandemic, stated Unesco in its report launched today (June 27) in co-ordination with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The co-publication "Culture in Times of Covid-19: Resilience, Recovery and Revival", gives a global overview of the impact of the pandemic on the culture sector since March 2020, and also outlines directions for its revival.

It also identifies major global trends reshaping the culture sector and proposes new integrated policy directions and strategies to support the sector’s revival and sustainability.

Ernesto Ottone R., Unesco Assistant Director-General for Culture, said: "We have identified major reforms currently emerging around the world in response to the global crisis. It is essential to recognise