Six months ago, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic, impacting travel worldwide. New data from travel insurance experts at Squaremouth now reveals how travel to top tourist destinations has been affected since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
Drastic Decrease in Travel to International Destinations
Prior to COVID-19, international trips made up 86% of all insured travel, but in the six months following the pandemic declaration, international trips account for only 47% of insured travel.
- The United States is the only top destination to see an increase in travelers for trips booked amidst the pandemic, all other top destinations have seen significant decreases.
| Top 10 Destinations6 Months Prior to Pandemic Declaration | % Change in Number of TravelersPost-Pandemic Declaration |
| US | +7.48% |
| Mexico | -75.15% |
| Italy | -93.89% |
| France | -90.78% |
| Canada | -74.92% |
| Spain | -93.16% |
| UK | -84.27% |
| The Bahamas | -83.53% |
| Israel | -86.55% |
| Costa Rica | -91.64% |
Accessible Destinations Replace Europe For American Travelers
European countries accounted for half of the top ten international destinations for American travelers prior to COVID-19. However, as COVID-19 caused travel restrictions for many European destinations, the UK and France are the only European countries to remain in the top ten international destinations.
- Accessible destinations like Mexico, Canada, and Caribbean countries now account for more than half of the top ten international destinations.
| Top 10 International Destinations6 Months Prior to Pandemic Declaration | Top 10 International Destinations6 Months Post-Pandemic Declaration |
| Mexico | Mexico |
| Italy | Canada |
| France | UK |
| Canada | The Bahamas |
| Spain | US Virgin Islands |
| UK | Turks and Caicos |
| The Bahamas | Israel |
| Israel | Jamaica |
| Costa Rica | France |
| Germany | Australia |
Methodology: Data is based on travel insurance policies purchased through Squaremouth between September 12, 2019 – September 11, 2020, for all future travel. Statistics reflect the comparison between the six month period prior to the pandemic declaration (Sept 12, 2019 – March 11, 2020) to the six month period after the pandemic was declared (March 12, 2020 – Sept 11, 2020) unless otherwise noted.
KEY CURRENT RESOURCE:
Squaremouth.com created the Coronavirus Pandemic Current Event Center which is updated daily with available travel insurance coverage and answers to FAQs as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.
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