International tourism is expected to recover to almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. An estimated 975 million tourists traveled internationally between January and September 2023, up 38% from the same period in 2022, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The latest UNWTO World Tourism Indicators also show that:
In the third quarter of 2023, global destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists than in the same period last year, reflecting a strong northern hemisphere summer season. International tourist arrivals reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter and 92% in July, the best month since the pandemic began. Overall, tourism recovered to 87% of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023. This should allow tourism to recover to almost 90% by the end of the year. International tourism receipts could reach US$1.4 trillion in 2023, roughly 93% of the US$1.5 trillion destinations earned in 2019.
International tourism has almost fully recovered from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, with many destinations reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and revenues, according to the latest UNWTO data.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost fully recovered from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic levels of arrivals and revenues. This is crucial for destinations, businesses and communities for whom tourism is a key lifeline.”
Middle East, Europe and Africa lead recovery
The Middle East continues to lead the regional recovery in relative terms, with arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 20% in the nine months to September 2023. It is the only region in the world to have exceeded 2019 levels in this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investment in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events support this impressive performance. Europe, the world’s largest tourist destination, welcomed 550 million international tourists in this period, representing 56% of the global total. This represents 94% of pre-pandemic levels. The recovery was supported by robust demand within the region and strong demand from the United States. Africa recovered 92% of pre-pandemic visitor numbers in these nine months, while arrivals to the Americas reached 88% of 2019 levels in this period, benefiting from strong US demand, particularly to the Caribbean. Asia-Pacific reached 62% of pre-pandemic levels in this period due to a delayed resumption of international travel. However, performance across sub-regions was mixed, with South Asia recovering to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, while Northeast Asia remained at around 50%.
Number of international tourists (percentage change from 2019)
The World Tourism Indicators include data focused on regions as well as sub-regions and individual destinations.
Tourism spending is booming
Several large sending markets reported strong demand for international travel this quarter, with many exceeding 2019 levels. Germany and the United States spent 13% and 11% more, respectively, on international travel compared to the same nine months in 2019, while Italy spent 16% more through August.
The sustained recovery is also reflected in performing industry indicators. The UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, based on data from IATA and STR, details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourism accommodation occupancy rates.
Against this backdrop, international tourism is expected to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, despite economic challenges such as high inflation and a weak global economy, as well as significant geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
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