Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism in Fernando de Noronha in the first semester of 2020

Abstract

The Coronavirus COVID-19 unleashed an unprecedented global crisis. Effects of the pandemic have been (and are still being) felt in all sectors of the economy. This was especially true in tourism, where operations have almost completely shut down after March, changing the sector's prospects that appeared so good in early 2020. This paper analyzes the repercussions of this crisis in Fernando de Noronha (state of Pernambuco, Brazil), estimating the changes in visitation and revenue. For that end, we have assessed data from national and international official sources encompassing the months of January to June, 2020. The findings show that public power failed to take action during the early stages of the pandemic in the archipelago. Also, a decrease in revenue of over 35% was identified in comparison with the first six months of 2019. We have also noted that the archipelago is far from obtaining the estimated revenue, which may impact the provision of essential services for the population.

Keywords
Coronavirus; Tourism; Interpersonal interactions; Fernando de Noronha