IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM

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IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM

December 28 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS SUMMARY OF IMPACTS The West Africa Ebola epidemic, which had its first reported case in December 23, lasted two-and-a-half years, affecting almost 3, people. 99% cases were in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The majority of airlines froze flight routes and a number of neighbouring countries closed their borders with the affected country, including Senegal and Côte D Ivoire. Countries began to re-open their borders in January/ February 25, and as late as September 26 in the case of Côte D Ivoire. CONTENTS Highlights Ebola timeline 2 Ebola impact on Travel & Tourism in the three most affected countries 2 3 The wider macroeconomic impacts of Ebola 5 4 The impact on wider West Africa and Africa 7 5 How Ebola compares to other epidemics and crises 9 6 Recommendations Beyond Ebola 7 Annex The impact of Ebola on Travel & Tourism was immediate for Sierra Leone, with tourist arrivals down by 5% from 23 to 24. To date, neither arrivals nor spending from international visitors have yet returned to their preepidemic peak, with inbound arrivals from Western markets hit hardest. The resulting loss of direct Travel & Tourism GDP is equivalent to.9% and.6% of whole economy GDP in Guinea and Sierra Leone respectively. GDP in Sierra Leone slowed from a -year average growth rate of 7.8%, to 4.6% in 24,. The economy in Guinea almost came to a halt over the same two-year period. While tourists were urged to avoid the Ebola zone in West Africa, many saw the entire African continent as a risk. The rest of West Africa (excluding Nigeria) saw a 7.7% decrease in arrivals in 24. Countries as far away as Kenya, over 3, miles from the outbreak, reported a significant loss in arrivals during the period, citing travel fears over Ebola among other factors. The scale and longevity of the impact of Ebola on Travel & Tourism is significant when compared to other epidemics, reflecting the duration of the epidemic and the period over which the borders were closed and flights were frozen. The research provides a detailed analysis of the impact of Ebola on Travel & Tourism in Sierra Leone. Analysing the impact in Liberia and Guinea however was more difficult due to issues surrounding the availability and quality of data. Due to gaps in the data for Liberia and volatility in the data history for Guinea, it has not been possible to properly assess the direct impact of Ebola on T&T in these two countries. For more information, please contact: ROCHELLE TURNER Research Director rochelle.turner@wttc.org IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM

EBOLA TIMELINE 2 EBOLA IMPACT ON T&T IN THE THREE MOST AFFECTED COUNTRIES EBOLA TIMELINE The 24 Ebola outbreak lasted over two-and-a-half years, infecting 28,652 people and causing,325 deaths. 99% of Ebola cases were recorded in the three countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with only a small number occurring outside this area by travel association or to medical workers. The disease had a major impact on the wider economies and posed a major deterrent to inbound visitors. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2, the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease during 24-26 was the largest and most complex outbreak of the virus since it was discovered in 976. Although the epidemic lasted over two-and-a-half years, most cases occurred between July 24 and May 25 (Figure ). It was only in June 26, two-and-a-half years after the first case, that the outbreak officially ended. Figure : Ebola cases peak in H2 24-H 25 Cases 35 3 25 2 5 5 Peak Ebola Cases 35 MONTHS AFTER OUTBREAK, INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS TO SIERRA LEONE REMAINED OVER 5% BELOW PRE-EPIDEMIC HIGHS Guinea Liberia Sierra Leone 2 EBOLA IMPACT ON TRAVEL & TOURISM IN THE THREE MOST AFFECTED COUNTRIES The first case of Ebola in Sierra Leone was recorded in May 24. Figure 2 shows that international tourist arrivals slumped immediately. May arrivals were down 54% on the previous year, with the most significant impacts when the epidemic was at its peak. A rebound did not take hold until April 26 when there were no further cases recorded. Figure 2: Arrivals down 7% in first three months of 24 Sierra Leone: International tourism arrivals and Ebola cases International Arrivals (Thousands) LHS 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Jan 3 May 3 Sept 3 Jan 4 May 4 /Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Sept 4 Data available to March 27 shows that 35 months on from the beginning of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, international visitor arrivals were still over 5% below pre-epidemic highs. Figure 3 shows that using Oxford Economics pre-ebola forecasts as a measure of expected arrivals, it is estimated that during this 35-month period Sierra Leone lost over, international arrivals, with visitor exports similarly affected (Figure 4). Visitor exports 4 also fell sharply in 24 and have not yet recovered back to pre-crisis levels. Jan 5 May 5 Sept 5 Jan 6 May 6 Sept 6 35 3 25 2 5 5 Cases of Ebola RHS Mar 4 Jun 4 Sept 4 Source: Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Dec 4 Mar 5 Jun 5 Sept 5 Dec 5 Mar 6 Figure 3: Arrivals in 27 still over 5% short of pre-ebola peak Sierra Leone: "Lost" international arrivals 8 2 month average Lost arrivals The first case was reported in Guinea in December 23. The disease quickly spread into neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia. To contain the disease, some neighbouring states closed their borders to these countries, while others restricted access by air and sea. According to AOG, an airline data provider, by August 24, almost half of monthly flights scheduled to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone were cancelled. Flights from within the continent on African airlines such as Air Côte d Ivoire, Arik Air (a Nigerian airline), Togo s ASKY Airlines and Kenya Airways, were cancelled while several major international carriers also suspended operations to and from the affected destinations. International Arrivals (Thousands) 7 6 5 4 3 2, "lost" arrivals between April 24 and March 27 During the outbreak, to prevent Ebola crossing borders, those leaving West Africa were screened at airports. The United States Centre for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) 3 estimates that more than 339, people were screened leaving Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. (Case breakdown shown in Figure A in the Annex) Jan 2 Jul 2 Jan 3 Jul 3 Jan 4 Jul 4 Jan 5 Jul 5 Jan 6 Jul 6 Jan 7 2 The World Health Organisation- Ebola Virus Disease Key Facts (2th February 28) 3 U.S. Department of Health and Human services Centres for Disease Control and Prevention - The Cost of the Ebola Epidemic 4 The money spent in a country by international visitors WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM 2

2 EBOLA IMPACT ON T&T IN THE THREE MOST AFFECTED COUNTRIES PRE-EPIDEMIC, ARRIVALS FROM THE AMERICAS ACCOUNTED FOR 25% OF INBOUND TOURISM TO SIERRA LEONE Figure 4: Ebola impact on visitor exports extends into 27 Sierra Leone visitor exports and international arrivals Visitor exports (US$ millions) LHS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 International arrivals (Thousands) RHS Arrivals from all regions to Sierra Leone fell during 24 and 25, dropping 32% in 26 compared to 23 arrival figures and bringing a corresponding drop of 35% in tourist expenditure over the same period. Figure 6 looks at the major inbound markets to Sierra Leone as of 23 Canada, UK, US, Nigeria and Ghana. Figures from 26 show that arrivals from each of these five destinations fell during the epidemic and remained considerably below the 23 peak. The biggest decline is in visitors from Canada, with 26 arrivals 84% below 23 peak. Figure 6: Neighbouring markets less deterred from visiting Sierra Leone Sierra Leone: 26 v 23 international tourist arrivals (5 major inbound markets in 23) % growth - -2-3 -4-5 -6 Canada United Kingdom United States Nigeria Ghana -7-8 23 24 25 26 27-9 ARRIVALS TO SIERRA LEONE FELL BY 32% IN 26 WHILE TOURISM EXPENDITURE ALSO FELL BY 35% IN THE SAME PERIOD Before the Ebola epidemic, arrivals from the Americas accounted for almost 25% of total inbound arrivals to Sierra Leone. However, by 26 this share had almost halved with Sierra Leone now relatively more dependent on visitors, in market share terms, from the Africa and Middle East region. Figure 5: Shift in inbound market share away from Asia and the Americas Sierra Leone: International arrivals by origin.7%.8% 3.9% 24.9% 44.% 2.5% Unspecified MEA Americas Europe Asia Analysing the impact of Ebola on Travel & Tourism in Liberia and Guinea is more difficult, due to data issues. Data for tourist arrivals to Liberia was not available and basic expenditure data had gaps in relevant years. Figure 7 shows a decline in tourist arrivals during 24 for Guinea, however, arrivals and expenditure data is extremely volatile making it hard to determine the extent any decline could be attributed to the outbreak of Ebola. However, other data, like Guinea air passenger flow figures, show a significant reduction in air travel during 24 with the number of passengers down 27% in 24 when the outbreak began. 25 saw a slight rebound in air passengers but a return to 23 levels was not seen until 26. A report by the World Bank (25) 5 suggests that in the first quarter of 25 alone, hotel occupancy in Guinea was down 25% compared to the same period in 24. Figure 7: Other West African countries also affected International tourist arrivals (Index 23=) 2 8 6 4 Guinea Sierra Leone Rest of West Africa excl. Nigeria 3.6%.9% 23 34.8% 7.8% 26 2 23 24 25 26 27 (f) 5 World Bank Group Update on the economic impact of the 24-25 Ebola epidemic on Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea (5th April 25) 3 WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM 4

3 THE WIDER MACROECONOMIC IMPACTS OF EBOLA Nigeria experienced an unprecedented jump in its recorded visitor arrivals in 24 and therefore has been excluded from the Rest of West Africa calculations in the analysis. Most other West African countries did experience at least some degree of decline in arrivals during 24, with some seeing larger impacts than others and Ebola being a likely determining factor. The rest of West Africa (excluding Nigeria) as a whole experienced an 8% decline in international arrivals in 24. 3 THE WIDER MACROECONOMIC IMPACTS OF EBOLA The economic impact of Ebola extended beyond the devastating health effects. According to the CDC using World Bank projections 6, $2.2 billion in GDP was lost in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in 25. The disease had widespread socioeconomic effects. Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia suffered from lower investment and a substantial loss in private sector growth, declining agricultural production (leading to concerns about food security) and a decrease in cross-border trade as restrictions on movement, goods, and services increased. Using Oxford Economics forecast prior to the Ebola epidemic, it is estimated that Sierra Leone lost over $67 million in direct Travel & Tourism GDP following the epidemic, equal to.6% of total economy GDP (Figure A2). Despite robust growth in 25 and 26, direct Travel & Tourism GDP has not rebounded to levels that were forecast pre-ebola. Figure 8 shows that direct Travel & Tourism GDP in Guinea also suffered because of Ebola, with an estimated $75 million 7 lost following the epidemic in 24, equal to.9% of total economy GDP. Figure 8: $75m in lost T&T GDP in Guinea Guinea: "Lost" Direct Travel & Tourism GDP US$ (Millions) 27 Prices and exchange rate 25 2 5 5 Direct T&T GDP "Lost" T&T GDP 2 22 23 24 25 26 27 (f) Source: Oxford Economics/WTTC The impacts of Ebola on the affected countries were severe and not limited to the Travel & Tourism sector. Currencies also suffered. The Sierra Leonean Leone depreciated 4% versus the dollar in 24, 2% in 25, and a further 24% 26 8. Currency depreciation made imports significantly more expensive and coupled with supply pressures as a result of lower production and closed borders, annual consumer price inflation in Sierra Leone was % in 26. The impact on total economy GDP in Sierra Leone (Figure 9) was significant, with growth first slowing in 24, albeit still positive. However, this was followed by a 2% decline in 25. Absenteeism increased among 6 The Wold Bank Accessed 2th January 26. 7 Figures are in constant 27 prices and exchange rate 8 It is unlikely that the 26 depreciation was purely Ebola-related, however, as the US Fed s tightening cycle impacted many emerging and developing currencies at this time. the labour force as people stayed at home to care for sick relatives or because they feared contracting the disease in the work place. Downward pressure on sales and profits forced companies to cut working hours and lay off staff leading to a reduced supply of goods and lower employment. Building activity stopped and border closures caused blockages affecting imported inputs and exports. Despite growth in 26, the Sierra Leone economy has not yet experienced a full recovery and total economy GDP in 26 was still 3% below its pre-epidemic level. It is important however to note that while the Ebola epidemic played a significant role in the 25 recession in Sierra Leone, this was also coupled with other economic issues such as shocks to iron ore prices. Figure 9: Rebound underway but slow Sierra Leone: Direct T&T GDP v Economy GDP (Index 23=) 5 95 9 85 8 75 7 65 6 23 Source: Oxford Economics/WTTC GDP growth in Guinea almost came to a complete halt in 24 and 25. However, a strong 26 rebound brought GDP levels back to beyond those in 23. Figure shows that rest of West Africa s total economy GDP was relatively unaffected by the epidemic. Growth in the West African economy slowed but remained positive during the epidemic and there has been no longlasting impact on wider economy GDP in the region. Figure : West Africa economies relatively unaffected Total economy GDP (Index 23=) 2 5 5 95 9 85 8 75 23 Direct T&T GDP Economy GDP 24 25 26 27 (f) 24 25 26 Rest of West Africa excl. Nigeria Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia 5 WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM 6

4 THE IMPACT ON WIDER WEST AFRICA AND AFRICA Figure however shows the impact Ebola had on Travel & Tourism employment in West Africa. Travel & Tourism employment growth slowed following the outbreak of Ebola and failed to pick up momentum with figures in 26 7% below pre-ebola estimates. Figure : Travel & Tourism employment below pre-ebola forecast West People (Thousands) Africa excl. Nigeria: T&T employment v forecast T&T employment 9 7 5 3 9 7 5 Source: WTTC 23 Pre-Ebola T&T employment forecast 24 25 26 Figures from 23 to 26 also show that countries neighbouring the three countries primarily affected by Ebola also suffered from the reduction in the numbers of inbound visitors. Figure 2: Fall in arrivals across West Africa in 24 International tourist arrivals 23-24 growth Cape Verde Cote D'Ivoire The Gambia Senegal Kenya Burkina Faso Togo Ghana Guinea Sierra Leone % growth -5% -4% -3% -2% -% % TUNISIA 4 THE IMPACT ON WIDER WEST AFRICA AND AFRICA MOROCCO Tourists were urged to avoid the Ebola zone in West Africa with the CDC issuing an avoid nonessential travel warning for Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. But it was not just Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia that saw the impact on their T&T industry. According to Reuters 9 (24), tour operators in Africa said that despite the limited Ebola cases outside of the epicentre, many tourists were afraid to travel anywhere on the continent. WESTERN SAHARA ALGERIA LIBYA EGYPT A report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (25) shows the results of a survey conducted by Safari Bookings, an online safari booking service. This survey found that half of the tour operators had suffered a 2-7% decline in their African safari business because of Ebola fears. They don t realise that East and Southern Africa, where most safaris are conducted, are just as far from the outbreak area as Europe or South America, said one respondent. International arrivals across West Africa fell during the outbreak. Burkina Faso, Cote D Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Senegal and Togo all experienced a decline in international tourist arrivals in 24, with some countries seeing a further decline in 25. This was due to tourists seeing the entire West Africa region as a risk zone and avoiding travelling there, even though most of these countries were completely Ebola free. The impact of Ebola on arrivals to West Africa was much greater than on other regions across the continent. Arrivals to countries in West Africa fell by 3% on average in 24. During the same time, international tourist arrivals to the rest of Africa grew by an average of 9% (or 6% aggregated across all rest of Africa countries excluding North Africa). 9 Reuters Ebola Fears slowing tourist flow to Africa (2th August 24) United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Socio-economic impacts of Ebola on Africa (January 25) Rest of Africa excludes North Africa as there were other factors impacting Travel & Tourism during this time. CAPE VERDE Figure 3: West African neighbours also lose visitors (23-26 % growth figures) GUINEA-BISSAU SIERRA LEONE 26 v 23 Tourist arrivals (%) No data available < -2% < % > % > 2% > % SENEGAL LIBERIA MAURITANIA GUINEA MALI B. FASSO COTE D IVOIRE GHANA BENIN NIGERIA EQUATORIAL GUINEA REPUBLIC OF CONGO NIGER CAMEROON GABON CHAD ANGOLA NAMIBIA C.A.R. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO ZAMBIA BOTSWANA SUDAN ZIMBABWE TANZANIA ETHIOPIA KENYA MOZAMBIQUE ERITREA DJIBOUTI RWANDA BURUNDI COMOROS MALAWI SOMALIA UGANDA MADAGASCAR R SWAZILAND 7 WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO

5 HOW EBOLA COMPARES TO OTHER EPIDEMICS AND CRISES 6 RECOMMENDATIONS BEYOND EBOLA 5 HOW EBOLA COMPARES TO OTHER EPIDEMICS AND CRISES Ebola was a unique epidemic with impacts on Travel & Tourism larger, more drawn out and different from other epidemics and crises that WTTC has studied. Figure 4 compares the effects of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone to other epidemics, using an index of equal to the level of international visitor arrivals in the quarter before the crisis occurred. Figure 4: Ebola impact longer than other epidemics Epidemic impact on international arrivals (Index =Q) Pre-crisis Sierra Leone (Ebola 24) UK (Foot & Mouth 2) Hong Kong (SARS 23) Brazil (Zika 25) 6 4 2 8 6 4 2 Q (Yr ) Q2 (Yr ) Q3 (Yr ) Q4 (Yr ) Q (Yr 2) Q2 (Yr 2) Q3 (Yr 2) Q4 (Yr 2) The initial fall in arrivals in Sierra Leone was much more severe and continued for much longer than that of other epidemics. It is over a year later before any signs of levelling out can be seen, with arrivals remaining below peak two years later. Sierra Leone arrivals bottomed out at 93% below the pre-epidemic peak. Arrivals to Hong Kong fell 75% from peak to trough following the SARS outbreak while arrivals to the UK only fell 2% from peak following the Foot and Mouth outbreak. The impact of the Zika virus on arrivals to Brazil is harder to asses as the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro inflated the arrivals figures to the country during this time. When comparing the impact of the Ebola outbreak to other crises like the Boxing Day Tsunami in Thailand, the 9/ terror attacks in the United States and the 2 Egyptian revolution, the scale of the Ebola impact on Travel & Tourism is still significant. Figure 5 compares the effects of the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone to other types of crisis that have impacted Travel & Tourism, using the same methodology as above. The first quarter after the Ebola crisis saw a larger decline than for the four other crisis events. As Ebola cases continued to be reported in Sierra Leone for over a year after the initial outbreak, international arrivals to Sierra Leone continued to decline compared to the previous year whereas the other crises were mostly isolated, one-off events. The severity of the Ebola T&T impact is also evident from its long-lasting effect with arrivals only now starting to get back towards preepidemic levels. The lasting impact was exacerbated by long-lasting travel bans and airline closures. Figure 5: Ebola impact larger than other shocks Crisis impact on international arrivals (Index =Q) Pre-crisis 4 2 6 4 2 Q (Yr ) Q2 (Yr ) Q3 (Yr ) Q4 (Yr ) Q (Yr 2) Q2 (Yr 2) Q3 (Yr 2) Q4 (Yr 2) Sierra Leone (Ebola 24) Thailand (Tsunami 24) Egypt (Revolution 2) USA (9/ Terror Attack 2) Kenya (Mpeketoni Terror Attacks 24) 6 RECOMMENDATIONS BEYOND EBOLA In today s increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape, coordination and cooperation are a must have, especially when it comes to global security. The same principles apply to communication, whereby technologies from mobile to social media have enabled tweets, advisories and messages to go around the world in seconds. Given that cancelled trips to affected destinations is often the immediate response to news of a crisis event, it is essential that these decisions that affect economies and livelihoods are made with just cause rather than as a result of any sensationalised messaging or fear. According to the former Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan, 9% of economic losses during any outbreak arises from the uncoordinated and irrational efforts of the public to avoid infection. Given the importance of Travel & Tourism to the global economy, accounting for % of global GDP and in jobs on the planet; the impact of a health emergency goes beyond the health of citizens to include the health of the economy. As such, there is a need for cooperation not just between the public and private sectors, but within each of these, to ensure that all affected stakeholders have access to timely and accurate information to allow for efficient and optimal decision-making. All Ministries that have a stake in the issue, from Finance and Health to the Ministries of Tourism and Transport all need to have a seat at the table. The same principles should be applied in the context of private sector engagement. In this context, the World Travel & Tourism Council has prioritised Crisis Preparedness as one of its three priorities and is collaborating with the World Economic Forum, WHO, the World Bank and other stakeholders, to develop a communication platform for Travel & Tourism, which would readily disseminate information to the world at large. 9 WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL IMPACT OF THE EBOLA EPIDEMIC ON TRAVEL & TOURISM

6 ANNEX 7 ANNEX Table A: Ebola remained relatively well contained with 99% of cases occurring within the 3-country epicentre Countries with widespread transmission and other countries affected during the epidemic Country Total cases (suspected, probable, confirmed)) Countries with widespread transmission The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. Guinea 3,84 Liberia,678 WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create Sierra Leone 4,24 jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world s leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. Affected countries Italy Mali 8 Nigeria 2 Senegal world report highlighting the global economic impact and issues, and 24 further reports that focus on regions, sub-regions and economic Spain and geographic groups. United Kingdom United States 4 Total 26, 652 Together with Oxford Economics, WTTC produces annual research that shows Travel & Tourism to be one of the world s largest sectors, supporting over 292 million jobs and generating.2% of global GDP in 26. Comprehensive reports quantify, compare and forecast the economic impact of Travel & Tourism on 85 economies around the world. In addition to the individual country reports, WTTC produces a To download reports or data, please visit www.wttc.org Source: Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Figure A: $67m in lost T&T GDP in Sierra Leone Lost direct T&T GDP in Sierra Leone Direct T&T GDP "Lost" T&T GDP US$ (Millions) 27 Prices and exchange rate 9 Assisting WTTC to Provide Tools for Analysis, Benchmarking, Forecasting and Planning. Loss in direct T&T GDP:.6% of economy-wide GDP Founded in 98 as a commercial venture with Oxford University s business college, Oxford Economics is one of the world s foremost 8 independent global advisory firms, providing reports, forecasts and analytical tools on 2 countries, industrial sectors and over 7 3, cities. Their best-of-class global economic and industry models and analytical tools give an unparalleled ability to forecast external market trends and assess their economic, social and business impact. Headquartered in Oxford, England, with regional centres in London, 6 New York and Singapore, Oxford Economics has offices across the globe in Belfast, Chicago, Dubai, Miami, Milan, Paris, Philadelphia, San 5 Francisco, and Washington DC. The company employs over 3 full-time staff, including more than 2 professional economists, industry 4 experts and business editors one of the largest teams of macroeconomists and thought leadership specialists underpinning the in- 3 house expertise is a contributor network of over 5 economists, analysts and journalists around the world. 2 For more information, please see www.oxfordeconomics.com, or email: mailbox@oxfordeconomics.com 2 22 Source: Oxford Economics/WTTC WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM COUNCIL 23 24 25 26 27 (f)

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