Thursday, September 19, 2024 International tourism surged to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, fueled by strong demand across Europe and the reopening of key markets in Asia and the Pacific. The latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported that approximately 790 million tourists traveled abroad between January and July 2024. This represents an 11% increase compared to 2023 and just 4% below 2019 levels.
The data highlights a strong beginning to the year, with a more moderate performance in the second quarter. These results align with UNWTO’s forecast for a full recovery of international tourism in 2024, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history.
The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions. This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies”. With enhanced air connectivity and visa facilitation boosting international travel, all global regions have seen significant growth so.