Pandemic will ruin Middle East’s 2020 tourism economy | Stephen Starr

Pandemic will ruin Middle East’s 2020 tourism economy | Stephen Starr

When the Arab uprisings exploded nine years ago, the effect on regional tourism was devastating, costing the countries involved a combined $15 billion, the Arab Tourism Organisation said.. After a 17% jump last year where the tourism industry is worth $34.5 billion, Turkey, despite not having recorded a single coronavirus case until March 10, is set to be worst hit.. In countries such as Lebanon, Iran and Syria governments don't have the funds to help break the fall for their citizens.. While the coronavirus spread could not have been predicted, it's plainer to see that governments around the region - and the wider world - have been caught off-guard, in part because of a failure to look ahead and put aside funds for crisis scenarios. ". The crisis presents bigger questions for governments in the region: how to plan for the unexpected..