These are the countries that rely the most on tourism around the world, and could be the worst-hit as travel collapses

Sinéad BakerJun 19, 2020, 15:40 IST

Iceland.Wow Air

The coronavirus pandemic has halted global travel, hammering tourism around the world.
Some countries rely heavily on tourism for their economies. They will likely be the worst-affected as borders stay closed and fear traveling.

Global travel has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, which has reached almost every country on the planet and prompted lockdowns and border closures.

As some countries get their outbreaks under control, tourism hotspots are rushing to find ways to attract tourists and reassure them that they will be safe.

But even with their best efforts, travel will be hampered by government restrictions, lingering fears from travelers themselves, and household budgets that can ill-afford lavish vacations in the inevitably recessions around the world.

These are the countries, based World Bank data for tourism as a percentage of GDP reported by Quartz, that rely the most on visitors:

Maldives

Flickr/Mac Qin

The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, derives 38.92% of its GDP from tourism.

It plans on reopening to tourists from July, and has abandoned plans to charge tourists extra fees for visas and tests.

The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, derives 38.92% of its GDP from tourism.

It plans on reopening to tourists from July, and has abandoned plans to charge tourists extra fees for visas and tests.

Maldives

Flickr/Mac Qin

The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, derives 38.92% of its GDP from tourism.

It plans on reopening to tourists from July, and has abandoned plans to charge tourists extra fees for visas and tests.

The Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, derives 38.92% of its GDP from tourism.

It plans on reopening to tourists from July, and has abandoned plans to charge tourists extra fees for visas and tests.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands. Getty Images

The, country, which derives 32.96% of its GDP from tourism, officially closed its borders to visitors on March 19.

It plans on reopening in a phased way, starting with its own returning citizens in June, who have to quarantine for 14 days after they arrive.

The, country, which derives 32.96% of its GDP from tourism, officially closed its borders to visitors on March 19.

It plans on reopening in a phased way, starting with its own returning citizens in June, who have to quarantine for 14 days after they arrive.

Macao

A general view of the Casino strip on July 29, 2013 in Macau, Macau. Chris McGrath/Getty Images

This special administrative region of China was one of the first places to record a coronavirus case, due to its proximity to the mainland.

And while it has not recorded many cases since, its tourism business, driven largely by its famous casinos, has stalled.

It derives 28.05% of its GDP from tourism, and could set up a travel bubbles with neighbouring regions like Hong Kong.

This special administrative region of China was one of the first places to record a coronavirus case, due to its proximity to the mainland.

And while it has not recorded many cases since, its tourism business, driven largely by its famous casinos, has stalled.

It derives 28.05% of its GDP from tourism, and could set up a travel bubbles with neighbouring regions like Hong Kong.

Aruba

Shutterstock/byvalet

Aruba, a Dutch island in the Caribbean, derives 27.64% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded just 101 coronavirus cases throughout the outbreak, and has had zero cases in June.

It plans on opening its borders with the US on July 10, and with Europe, Canada and most other Caribbean nations on July 1.

It expects its July tourism numbers to be around 20% of those it had in July 2019.

Aruba, a Dutch island in the Caribbean, derives 27.64% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded just 101 coronavirus cases throughout the outbreak, and has had zero cases in June.

It plans on opening its borders with the US on July 10, and with Europe, Canada and most other Caribbean nations on July 1.

It expects its July tourism numbers to be around 20% of those it had in July 2019.

Seychelles

An aerial view of the Aldabra islands in Seychelles. Simisa via Wikimedia Commons

The island country in the Indian Ocean derives 25.74% of its GDP from tourism.

It has allowed some visitors since June 1, so long as they come from approved countries and have proof of a negative test, among other steps.

It has banned cruise ships until the end of 2021.

The island country in the Indian Ocean derives 25.74% of its GDP from tourism.

It has allowed some visitors since June 1, so long as they come from approved countries and have proof of a negative test, among other steps.

It has banned cruise ships until the end of 2021.

The Bahamas

Shutterstock

The Bahamas has restarted domestic flights between its islands, and is allowing international flights to start again from July 1.

International boats, yachts and private aviation were allowed from June 15.

Travellers will be screened and have to socially distance.

The country derived 19.23% of its GDP from tourism, but that may have been impacted by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

The Bahamas has restarted domestic flights between its islands, and is allowing international flights to start again from July 1.

International boats, yachts and private aviation were allowed from June 15.

Travellers will be screened and have to socially distance.

The country derived 19.23% of its GDP from tourism, but that may have been impacted by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Vanuatu

Manaro Voui volcano on the island of Ambae. Vanuatu in September 2017. THOMAS BOYER/AFP via Getty Images

The island nation in the South Pacific Ocean derives 18.16% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded no coronavirus cases, after it closed its borders and banned flights between its own islands on March 26. It was hit by a devastating cyclone two weeks later.

The island nation in the South Pacific Ocean derives 18.16% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded no coronavirus cases, after it closed its borders and banned flights between its own islands on March 26. It was hit by a devastating cyclone two weeks later.

Cape Verde

Shutterstock

The island country in the Atlantic Ocean derives 17.66% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded fewer than 800 virus cases, and is allowing flights between its islands to start again on June 30.

The island country in the Atlantic Ocean derives 17.66% of its GDP from tourism.

It has recorded fewer than 800 virus cases, and is allowing flights between its islands to start again on June 30.

St. Lucia

James R Schultz/Shutterstock

The Caribbean island nation has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases.

It has allowed visitors to come since June 4, with tourists required to show a negative test dated within 48 hours of their flight. They are also required to wear a mask while in the country.

It derives 15.61% of its GDP from tourism.

The Caribbean island nation has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases.

It has allowed visitors to come since June 4, with tourists required to show a negative test dated within 48 hours of their flight. They are also required to wear a mask while in the country.

It derives 15.61% of its GDP from tourism.

Belize

The Asahi Shimbun via Getty

The Caribbean country derives 14.95% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen 22 coronavirus cases, and the country's international airport is closed, with its cruise ship industry also suspended.

Its airport could open from July 1.

The Caribbean country derives 14.95% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen 22 coronavirus cases, and the country's international airport is closed, with its cruise ship industry also suspended.

Its airport could open from July 1.

Fiji

Boeing

The country in the South Pacific Ocean derives 14.09% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases, and has had zero active cases since June 5.

The country's borders are closed since March 25, with citizens only able to return on official repatriation flights.

Those in the tourism industry say the effect will be "catastrophic."

The country in the South Pacific Ocean derives 14.09% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases, and has had zero active cases since June 5.

The country's borders are closed since March 25, with citizens only able to return on official repatriation flights.

Those in the tourism industry say the effect will be catastrophic.

Malta

fokke baarssen/Shutterstock

The European island country has seen more than 600 cases.

It derives 14.08% of its GDP from tourism.

Its international airport is due to open from July 1 to visitors from certain countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.

Restrictions from other countries are expected to be lifted on July 15.

The European island country has seen more than 600 cases.

It derives 14.08% of its GDP from tourism.

Its international airport is due to open from July 1 to visitors from certain countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Finland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic.

Restrictions from other countries are expected to be lifted on July 15.

Cambodia

Intarapong / Shutterstock

13.72% of the southeast Asian country's GDP is derived from tourism.

It has only seen 129 coronavirus cases, and it started opening its borders to tourists in late May.

It is asking tourists to pay a $3,000 deposit, which covers a coronavirus test and health care costs for if travellers get sick.

Most of it is returned to tourists if not used.

13.72% of the southeast Asian country's GDP is derived from tourism.

It has only seen 129 coronavirus cases, and it started opening its borders to tourists in late May.

It is asking tourists to pay a $3,000 deposit, which covers a coronavirus test and health care costs for if travellers get sick.

Most of it is returned to tourists if not used.

Barbados

The Crop Over festival in Bridgetown, Barbados, in August 2013. Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images

Barbados has seen fewer than 100 coronavirus cases, and there is currently no ban on travel to the Caribbean island.

It derives 13.13% of its GDP from tourism.

Visitors from any country with a widespread outbreak have to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive.

Barbados has seen fewer than 100 coronavirus cases, and there is currently no ban on travel to the Caribbean island.

It derives 13.13% of its GDP from tourism.

Visitors from any country with a widespread outbreak have to quarantine for 14 days when they arrive.

Antigua and Barbuda

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Image

The West Indies island nation has opened to visitors, with tourists required to submit health forms and do tests when they arrive. People will also have to socially distance on the island.

It derives 13.09% of its GDP from tourism.

The West Indies island nation has opened to visitors, with tourists required to submit health forms and do tests when they arrive. People will also have to socially distance on the island.

It derives 13.09% of its GDP from tourism.

Dominica

An aerial view of Dominica in November 2017. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Dominica has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases, and has closed its borders to commercial flights, as well as private flights and boats.

It derives 12.33% of its GDP from tourism.

Dominica has seen fewer than 20 coronavirus cases, and has closed its borders to commercial flights, as well as private flights and boats.

It derives 12.33% of its GDP from tourism.

Montenegro

Olena Z/Shutterstock

The Balkan country derives 11.67% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen more than 300 coronavirus cases, and is now campaigning to attract tourists after announcing that it has no more active cases, billing itself as Europe's first coronavirus-free country.

It currently allows visitors from a set list of countries.

The Balkan country derives 11.67% of its GDP from tourism.

It has seen more than 300 coronavirus cases, and is now campaigning to attract tourists after announcing that it has no more active cases, billing itself as Europe's first coronavirus-free country.

It currently allows visitors from a set list of countries.

Croatia

Emilie Chaix/Getty Images

The European country derives 11% of its GDP from tourism.

The country is now allowing tourists, with certain restrictions.

The European country derives 11% of its GDP from tourism.

The country is now allowing tourists, with certain restrictions.

Sao Tome and Principe

The shore of Boca do Inferno, Sao Tome. Stuart Freedman/In Pictures via Getty Images

The island, off the coast of western Africa, has seen over 680 coronavirus cases.

It banned all foreign traveller s.

It derives 10.63% of its GDP from tourism.

The island, off the coast of western Africa, has seen over 680 coronavirus cases.

It banned all foreign traveller s.

It derives 10.63% of its GDP from tourism.

Jamaica

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

The Caribbean island nation has had more than 600 coronavirus cases.

It reopened for international travel on June 15, but requires a health screening during which tourists have to say if they have or have had coronavirus symptoms.

10.48% of its GDP is derived from tourism.

The Caribbean island nation has had more than 600 coronavirus cases.

It reopened for international travel on June 15, but requires a health screening during which tourists have to say if they have or have had coronavirus symptoms.

10.48% of its GDP is derived from tourism.

Thailand

Thailand, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Buddha statues in a row in Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, mother and daughter in front of a buddha statue Getty Images

Thailand, which derives 9.82% of its GDP from tourism, recorded more than 3,000 coronavirus cases.

The borders are closed until at least June 30.

It plans on a phased reopening for tourists, which could mean visitors can only go to certain parts of the country.

It could also involve travel bubbles, where only people from certain countries can visit.

Thailand, which derives 9.82% of its GDP from tourism, recorded more than 3,000 coronavirus cases.

The borders are closed until at least June 30.

It plans on a phased reopening for tourists, which could mean visitors can only go to certain parts of the country.

It could also involve travel bubbles, where only people from certain countries can visit.

Georgia

Georgian Orthodox believers, observing social distancing, attend the service on the eve of the Orthodox Easter in Tbilisi on April 18, 2020. VANO SHLAMOV/AFP via Getty Images

Georgia has had fewer than 900 coronavirus cases, and 9.36% of its GDP is derived from tourism.

The country, which bridges Europe and Asia, has stopped foreign citizens from entering, but will start to reopen borders to certain countries from July 1.

Georgia has had fewer than 900 coronavirus cases, and 9.36% of its GDP is derived from tourism.

The country, which bridges Europe and Asia, has stopped foreign citizens from entering, but will start to reopen borders to certain countries from July 1.

Philippines

Deortiz/Flickr

The Philippines derives 8.7% of its GDP from tourism, and it relies heavily on tourism from China.

It has been hard hit by the coronavirus, seeing more than 27,000 cases.

It stopped most international travellers and restricted domestic travel, but is sharing online videos so people can experience the country virtually.

The Philippines derives 8.7% of its GDP from tourism, and it relies heavily on tourism from China.

It has been hard hit by the coronavirus, seeing more than 27,000 cases.

It stopped most international travellers and restricted domestic travel, but is sharing online videos so people can experience the country virtually.

Kiribati

Tarawa atoll, Kiribati, is seen in an aerial view. AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File

The Pacific Ocean country has had no coronavirus cases, and requires people travelling from countries with coronavirus outbreaks to spend at least 14 days in a country without the virus before they enter.

It derives 8.66% of its GDP from tourism.

Iceland

Andrey Bayda/Shutterstock

Iceland, where 8.63% of GDP comes from tourism, has had fewer than 2,000 coronavirus cases.

People from the EU and the Schengen area can visit. On arrival they can take a coronavirus test, and move freely provided they test negative.

Without a test, they have to quarantine for 14 days first.

Iceland, where 8.63% of GDP comes from tourism, has had fewer than 2,000 coronavirus cases.

People from the EU and the Schengen area can visit. On arrival they can take a coronavirus test, and move freely provided they test negative.

Without a test, they have to quarantine for 14 days first.

One chart shows what percentage of COVID-19 tests are coming back positive in the US compared to 12 other countries

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These are the countries that rely the most on tourism around the world, and could be the worst-hit as travel collapses

Maldives

Maldives

British Virgin Islands

Macao

Aruba

Seychelles

The Bahamas

Vanuatu

Cape Verde

St. Lucia

Belize

Fiji

Malta

Cambodia

Barbados

Antigua and Barbuda

Dominica

Montenegro

Croatia

Sao Tome and Principe

Jamaica

Thailand

Georgia

Philippines

Kiribati

Iceland