Global tourism spending to reach 93% of 2019 volumes

16-12-23

• International tourism is on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels by 2024

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that 975 million tourists have traveled between January and September this year, an increase of 38% over last year, and, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Barometer, the year is expected to close at close to 90% of international activity volumes compared to 2019, highlighting, in addition, that spending will be at 93% of pre-pandemic volumes.

One of the most positive notes of the Barometer highlights the high level of spending by international tourists. Thus, visitors from Germany and the United States spent 13% and 11% more, respectively, than in 2019, although the best data is offered by Italy, whose spending grew by 16% in up to August.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. Based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and STR, UNWTO's Tourism Recovery Tracker details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels.

91% of international tourists in the third quarter

According to the study, international tourist arrivals reached 91% of pre-pandemic volumes in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month on record since 2019. Overall, 87% of pre-pandemic levels have already been recovered between January and September this year.

On the revenue side, the year is expected to close at US$1.4 billion, around 93% of the level recorded by destinations in 2019.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, "The latest data show that international tourism has almost fully recovered from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, with many destinations reaching or even surpassing pre-pandemic arrivals and revenues. This is critical for destinations, businesses and communities where the sector is an important lifeline."

Middle East leads recovery

Among the destinations that have recovered best is the Middle East, which is leading the recovery according to UNWTO, achieving a 20% increase in visitors over 2019, and remains the only region globally to have surpassed its pre-pandemic levels.

It is followed by Europe, which has received 550 million international tourists up to September, and accounts for 56% of the world total, standing at 94% of the levels recorded in 2019. This upturn, they point out, is mainly due to strong demand from the United States.

In the case of Africa, the continent is already at 92% of pre-2019 visitor levels, with arrivals to the Americas reaching 88%, with Caribbean destinations benefiting particularly.

Finally, Asia and the Pacific are recovering to 62% of international arrivals volumes, albeit with mixed results, the UNWTO notes. Thus, the South Asia zone has already recovered to 95% of 2019 levels, while the Northeast Asia zone remains at 50%.

In this context, international tourism is on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels by 2024, despite economic challenges such as high inflation and weak global output, as well as significant geopolitical tensions and conflicts.