Coronavirus has paralyzed Italy and hit one of the pillars of its economy: tourism
The confederation that brings together companies in the sector (Confturismo) stated this Wednesday (4) that the estimated loss for the first quarter of 2020 in the tourism sector should reach 7,4 billion euros – almost R$40 million – and defined the situation as “dramatic”.
The losses mainly affect tour guides, who suffer from mass cancellations and still cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel for the crisis into which the sector has plunged due to the epidemic and, mainly, paranoia.
“For March, we have 100% cancellations. And during the year, we have a rate of 75%”, Brazilian guide Lilian de Almeida Silva, who promotes tours and guided visits in Florence and other cities in Tuscany, tells ANSA.
Considered one of the main tourist hubs in Italy, the region accounts for just 1,2% of coronavirus cases in the country (37 out of a total of 3.089), but this was not enough to contain the fear of future travelers.
“The situation is very complicated, people are in panic. What they paint outside of Italy is that there is chaos, everyone wearing masks, hysteria, but it’s not like that”, adds Silva.
According to the guide, she has focused on trying to “demystify this apocalypse” for her followers on social media.
“Seven Americans who were going to come in April canceled. They said: 'Sorry, but we're going to plan it later,” she reveals.
According to the latest data from Italian Civil Protection, 20 regions in Italy have confirmed cases. In total, 2.296 people were infected and 148 died. Almost 500 people have already been cured.
