International tourism has returned to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, driven by demand in Europe and the reopening of markets in Asia and the Pacific.
The latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism shows 790 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July, an 11% increase from 2023 and 4% below 2019 figures. A strong start to the year was followed by more modest growth in the second quarter. UN Tourism’s forecast for a full recovery in 2024 remains on track despite economic and geopolitical challenges.
“International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions.”
This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies.
Zurab Pololikashvili
The Middle East showed the strongest regional growth, with international arrivals up 26% compared to 2019. Africa saw a 7% increase in arrivals, while Europe and the Americas reached 99% and 97% of their 2019 levels, respectively. Asia and the Pacific recovered 82% of pre-pandemic tourist numbers, reaching 85% in June and 86% in July.
Among individual destinations, Qatar recorded a 147% increase in arrivals versus 2019, followed by Albania at 93%, El Salvador at 81%, and Saudi Arabia at 73%. The UN Tourism Confidence Index predicts positive expectations for September-December 2024 at 120 points, though slightly lower than May-August at 130. Inflation in travel and tourism, along with economic pressures, staff shortages and extreme weather events, were identified as key challenges for the sector.
