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.
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