Global Tourism Nears Full Recovery, Reaching 96% of Pre-Pandemic Levels by Mid-2024
(IN SHORT) Global tourism has rebounded to 96% of pre-pandemic levels, with around 790 million international tourists recorded from January to July 2024. Strong demand in Europe and the reopening of Asia-Pacific markets drove the recovery, despite economic and geopolitical challenges. The Middle East saw the highest growth, exceeding 2019 figures by 26%. Tourism receipts have also shown significant growth, with several countries surpassing pre-pandemic earnings. While challenges such as inflation and high travel costs persist, experts remain optimistic about continued recovery through the end of 2024.
(PRESS RELEASE) Madrid, Spain, 2024-Sep-23 — /Travel PR News/ — Global tourism is nearing a full recovery, with international tourist arrivals reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism. Approximately 790 million tourists traveled abroad during this period, 11% more than in 2023, fueled by high demand in Europe and the reopening of Asia-Pacific markets. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, the industry is on track for a full recovery by the end of 2024.
The Middle East showed the strongest growth, with arrivals up 26% compared to 2019. Africa exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 7%, while Europe and the Americas recovered 99% and 97% of their pre-pandemic tourism figures, respectively. Asia and the Pacific reached 82% of 2019 levels, improving throughout the second quarter.
Tourism receipts have also seen substantial growth, with several destinations, including Albania and Serbia, more than doubling their pre-pandemic revenue. Outbound spending from key markets such as the US, Germany, and the UK also surged, further boosting the recovery.
Challenges remain, particularly due to inflation and high travel costs, but the UN Tourism Confidence Index indicates a positive outlook for the remainder of 2024.
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Source: UNWTO
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