Tourism set to surpass pre-pandemic milestones by end of 2024

05-12-24

The global tourism sector welcomed 1.1 billion international travelers during the first nine months of 2024, reaching 98% of its pre-pandemic activity, according to the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism. Despite ongoing economic, geopolitical, and climate challenges, a full recovery from the pandemic’s devastating impact is expected by the end of the year.

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic halted global travel, most regions have already surpassed their 2019 arrival numbers between January and September 2024. Regions like the Middle East (+29%) and Africa (+6%) posted growth beyond pre-pandemic levels, while Europe (+1%) and the Americas (-3%) closely matched 2019 figures. Asia and the Pacific, though still recovering unevenly, achieved 85% of pre-pandemic arrivals compared to just 66% in 2023.

Among the standout performers, Qatar saw a 141% surge in arrivals compared to 2019, followed by Albania (+77%) and Saudi Arabia (+61%). Other destinations, including Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), and Colombia (+36%), also reported significant growth, reflecting strong global demand and the benefits of improved air connectivity and visa facilitation.