Tourism on Track for Full Recovery in 2024

International tourism has shown remarkable resilience, with the sector almost fully recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key trends and data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) highlight the following:

1. Tourist Arrivals and Growth:

   • In 2023, international arrivals reached 1.3 billion, recovering 88% of pre-pandemic levels. This trend is expected to continue, with 2024 forecasted to surpass 2019 levels by 2%.
   • The Middle East led the recovery, with arrivals 22% above 2019 figures, while Europe and Africa closely followed at 94% and 96%, respectively. Asia-Pacific showed significant improvement, reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels in early 2024.
     
     

2. Economic Impact:

   • International tourism receipts in 2023 totaled $1.5 trillion, recovering 96% of 2019 figures. Export revenues from tourism, including transport, reached $1.7 trillion, highlighting the sector's importance for global economies.
   • Tourism’s direct contribution to global GDP matched pre-pandemic levels at $3.3 trillion, underlining its role in economic recovery.
     
     

3. Regional Highlights:

   • The strongest relative growth occurred in North Africa (+23%), Central America (+15%), and the Caribbean (+7%).
   • Destinations like Saudi Arabia, Albania, and Tanzania reported significant growth compared to 2019, reflecting shifts in travel demand.
     
     

4. Future Outlook:

   • Full recovery by the end of 2024 is expected, driven by strong pent-up demand, improved air connectivity, and the reopening of Asian markets. Regions such as Europe and the Middle East are forecasted to maintain strong performance.
     
     

Sustainability and inclusive tourism remain central to ongoing recovery efforts, emphasizing the need for responsible destination management to mitigate externalities like resource strain and environmental impacts.

For more detailed insights, visit UNWTO's tourism statistics.