In the last few years, the biggest buzzword in travel has been over-tourism, used to decry the way that some popular cities, attractions and destinations have become too popular.
But now the pendulum is swinging in the other direction as a result of the novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China and has since trickled around the world, from Japan and Italy to the United States.
Let’s go through the gallery below for a handful of examples.
Beijing Daxing International Airport: China’s futuristic new airport, which opened in September 2019, is now nearly empty. @ Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
According to some industry experts, coronavirus may prove to be the worst hit to the global travel industry since 9/11.
Many countries have restricted travelers from China, which is the world’s largest travel market, thus guaranteeing a decline in visitors. And that’s not all.
St. Peter’s Square, Italy: In Italy, hotel bookings are down by more than 50%. @ Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images
Airlines have asked staffers to take unpaid leave as many routes are canceled indefinitely, and hotels and attractions have reported plummeting bookings.
Hong Kong International Airport: Visitor data for February shows fewer than 3,000 people per day passing through this major airport, normally a busy hub.@ Paul Yeung/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Many of the world’s most famous places, including Disney parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, have closed their doors to visitors.
Disneyland Hong Kong Resort: The theme park shut its doors on January 26 and has not announced a reopening date.
Paul @ Yeung/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Yuanshen Sports Centre Stadium: In Shanghai, a recent soccer match took place in an empty stadium.
@ Yifan Ding/Getty Images
Events like the London Book Fair and the Venice Architecture Biennale have been canceled, and Lunar New Year events throughout Asia were called off as well.
The Louvre Museum, Paris: The world’s most-visited art museum closed its doors for several days following staff outcry over coronavirus fears. @ Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images
Public places that are usually packed with visitors, such as Kyoto’s picturesque Gion neighborhood and Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, are now unusually quiet as people practice “social distancing.”
Piazza del Duomo: In a rare moment, there are more birds than tourists in one of Milan’s most iconic squares. @ Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images
While many people are choosing to stay indoors, cancel trips and work from home amid the coronavirus, some intrepid photographers are documenting what their cities and towns look like without all the crowds.
The International Tourism Exchange: Ironically, this huge annual tourism industry event — scheduled for Berlin in 2020 — was called off due to the coronavirus.
@ Frank May/Picture Alliance/Getty Images
By Lilit Marcus, CNN