UNWTO presents the World Tourism Barometer May 2023 

21-05-23

The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer regularly monitors short-term tourism trends to provide global tourism stakeholders with an up-to-date analysis of international tourism.

The report is published four times a year and includes an analysis of the latest data on tourism destinations (inbound tourism) and source markets (outbound tourism). The Barometer also includes a Confidence Index based on the UNWTO Tourism Expert Group survey, which provides an assessment of recent performance and short-term prospects for international tourism.

International tourist arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023. An estimated 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period in 2022.

• International tourist arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023 (-20% compared to the same quarter in 2019) driven by strong performances in Europe and the Middle East, against a recovery level of 66% for 2022 as a whole.

• International tourism grew by 86% in Q1 2023 compared to the same period last year, showing continued strength at the start of the year.

• An estimated 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period in 2022.

• The Middle East recorded the best performance (+15%) and is the first region in the world to recover pre-pandemic figures in a full quarter. Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023, thanks to strong intra-regional demand.

• Africa reached 88% and the Americas around 85% of 2019 levels, while Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery to 54% of pre-pandemic levels.

• By sub-region, both Southern Mediterranean Europe (+1%) and North Africa (+4%) recovered their 2019 figures.

• International tourism receipts regained the USD 1 trillion mark in 2022, growing by 50% in real terms compared to 2021, and reaching 64% of pre-pandemic levels.

• Strong results are expected in the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season, supported by solid pent-up demand, sustained recovery in air connectivity and the recent reopening of China and other major Asian markets and destinations.

• The UNWTO Panel of Experts survey indicates that almost 70% of experts expect better results in May-August 2023. However, most still believe that international tourism will not return to 2019 levels until 2024 or later.

• In response to the difficult economic environment, tourists this year are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home.