About the Event
Watch the Event Replay
In 2019, tourism accounted for more than 10% of global GDP. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions for the global tourism industry. Travel restrictions between and within countries and hesitation among would-be travelers hurt the local economies of tourist destinations worldwide, causing a more than 60% drop in revenue and employment. An estimated 120 million people globally have lost their jobs in tourism, disproportionately affecting women, young people, and small entrepreneurs, as they account for 80% of the global tourism sector.
As the pandemic eases and national governments are welcoming back tourism, how can cities leverage innovative technologies and informative data to make their tourism industries stronger than ever?
This virtual event, convened by the Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard, in collaboration with City Possible, discussed strategies for bringing back tourism in a sustainable way that produces inclusive prosperity for great destinations.
View Presentations
The City Innovators Forum is a collaboration of senior leaders from cities around the world to discuss emerging ideas and challenges in innovation in their communities. The forum was created by Dr. David S. Ricketts, Innovation Fellow, Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard, to engage, share and learn from fellow city leaders and other public sector innovators. We hope you will join us for this in-depth and engaging event.
This virtual event was open to city officials, non-profits, and related organizations.