On 16 May 2020, at 16:30, on behalf of the project NEST- Networking for Smart Tourism Development, the project staff organized an online talk, the first of several other events planned for the next weeks, available on the Facebook page of the project - https://www.facebook.com/InterregNEST - to discuss on the impact of Covid-19 in the tourism economy of Interreg IT-AL-ME Countries. 

The Covid-19 health crisis is having a devastating impact on our lives as well as on the economies of the involved countries. Tourism has been among the hardest hit of all major economic sectors. In tourism, everything has come to a standstill, planes are on the ground, accommodation facilities are empty, travel agencies are dealing with cancellations and missed bookings.

If we add the activities of the entire industry, such as restaurants and bars, commerce, transport and car rental, the impact is catastrophic. Several managers and entrepreneurs, representatives of tourism sector from Italy, Albania and Montenegro participated to this webinar. 

The moderator of this event has been Ms. Valentina Ndou, Aggregate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering for Innovation of the University of Salento (Italy).

The following speakers have participated to the debate: Ms. Slavica Vukcevic, Executive Director of Montenegro Adventures (MTE), Mr. Marco Zollo, Coordinator of Rete R.i.t.i. “Moleasy” Italy, Ms. Maria Nobiletti President of Tourism Section of Confindustria Foggia (IT), Ms. Florika Rodakaj, Director & Founder of Albania Viaggi Tour Operator (AL), Matilda Naco, Executive Director of Albanian Tourism Association (AL). 

Many topics have been discussed during this web-session: the current situation of tourism operators in the three Countries, differences and likenesses, the impact in economic terms of the COVID-19 for SMTEs, and the specific problems they are facing in these months. They also discussed the role of the public sector in supporting the operators to overcome the crisis, through specific funds and measures at National and Regional levels. 

The agenda of the next “NEST On-line talks” will be published in the next days on the project Facebook page. Stay connected with #NEST Project!