Full Recovery of World Tourism by 2024
11-12-24
World tourism will reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, with an estimated 1.1 billion international tourists, representing 98% of pre-pandemic numbers. This rebound has been driven by strong post-pandemic demand, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as robust performance by the largest outbound markets.
According to the UN Tourism Barometer, tourism receipts had rebounded in 2023, and this growth continued through the first nine months of 2024. Air connectivity and the simplification of visa processes have been crucial factors in accelerating the recovery. However, some regions, such as Northeast Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, still show signs of slower recovery compared to other areas, such as the Middle East and the Caribbean, which have recorded significant growth.
In terms of regional performance, the Middle East led growth with a 29% increase in international tourist arrivals over 2019. Europe also showed signs of improvement, albeit more moderately, with a 1% increase, while Africa saw 6% growth. For their part, Central and South America continue to be key destinations for tourists, with countries such as Colombia and Andorra registering notable increases in visitor numbers.
The increase in tourism spending has also been reflected in revenue figures, with countries such as Japan, Turkey and France reporting double-digit increases through September 2024. Destinations such as Serbia, Pakistan, Romania and Japan led the recovery in tourism receipts, far outpacing inflation. At the major issuer level, Germany, the United States and France saw a considerable increase in international tourism spending, with growth of 35%, 33% and 11%, respectively.
Despite these positive results, the tourism industry still faces significant challenges. Inflation, driven by rising transportation prices and staff shortages, continues to be an obstacle for many destinations. In addition, geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events continue to affect consumer confidence, which could dampen growth in the coming years. However, the industry remains optimistic, with strong growth projected for 2024 and beyond, cementing itself as a key driver for the global economy.
The recovery of global tourism is excellent news for economies around the world, as it boosts employment, supports small business growth and contributes to increased tax revenues.
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