As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations with its unique culture, gastronomy, pristine beaches and awe-inspiring historical monuments, France welcomes millions of visitors from across the globe every year. In July 2020, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, France implemented a travel ban on certain countries, with the hope of containing the spread of the virus and reducing the risk of health-related complications for both its citizens and neighbours. This had dramatic consequences for the French tourism industry, which is one of the largest contributors to the country’s economy.
The travel ban decided by the Government of France has been the source of heated debates within the localization, since both supporters and opponents offer highly convincing arguments. On one hand, it can be said that this measure is a rational decision intended to protect the health of its citizens and ensure the safety of all the tourists, foreign or domestic, visiting the country.
Supporters of the planned restrictions believe that the more stringent procedures will help safeguard both travelers and locals. By introducing a 14 day quarantine for anyone arriving from foreign countries, France restricts the flow of people and limits the chances of transmitting the virus to susceptible populations. In addition, stricter measures in terms of the face mask, sanitization and social distancing guidelines ensure another layer of protection to minimize the potential cases of the virus.
On the other hand, some view the ban as a potential source of economic hardship and a step backwards in regards with international cooperation. Critics argue that the ban will have devastating impact on the French economy, as it is estimated that the travel restrictions will possibly cost the economy up to 8 billion euros per month in revenue lost from the tourism industry. A significant decrease in international travelers could lead to job cuts, rising unemployment and bankruptcies in both the hospitality sector, as well as the entire country.
Effects of the Ban on Small Businesses
Additionally, small businesses and entrepreneurs, who rely on tourism for income, may be affected significantly, as international arrivals are largely responsible for sustaining their growth. Leisure establishments such as shops, restaurants, museums, and touristy attractions may suffer greatly from decline in sales, while travel and tour operators may face immense loss of bookings.
Moreover, diplomatic relationships between France and other nations may be strained, as countries of origin can view the travel restriction as overly cautious, unfair, and even protectionist. Thus, in addition to economic losses, the travel restrictions may cause political implications.
Conclusion
All things considered, while it is much needed to contain the spread of the virus, France travel ban, however necessary, has the potential to have long-lasting implications leading to both economic (job losses, falling revenues) and diplomatic (strained relationships) issues. However, having said that, the more stringent measures may also be beneficial for travelers in the form of minimising health-related risks.
To finalise, in order to find a suitable solution to the debate, France ought to continue monitoring the epidemiological situation while providing economic assistance to affected small businesses. Apart from that, the government should strive in finding a way to balance the various interests surrounding the problem and ensure a healthy outcome for everybody.
