Tuesday, January 21, 2025 UN Tourism has revealed that global tourism surged to 1.4 billion international travelers in 2024, achieving 99% of pre-pandemic levels. This represents an 11% rise from 2023, with 140 million additional arrivals driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust source markets, and the resurgence of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Key regions showed remarkable performance, with the Middle East, Europe, and Africa leading the recovery. The Middle East recorded 95 million arrivals, 32% above 2019 levels and 1% higher than 2023. Africa welcomed 74 million tourists, 7% more than in 2019 and 12% higher than in 2023, with North Africa achieving a standout 22% increase above pre-pandemic levels.
Europe saw 747 million arrivals, surpassing 2019 figures by 1% and growing 5% from 2023. While most subregions exceeded pre-pandemic levels, Central and Eastern Europe lagged due to the ongoing impacts of the conflict in Ukraine. The Americas registered 213 million arrivals, recovering 97% of pre-pandemic levels and growing 7% compared to 2023.
The Caribbean and Central America exceeded 2019 levels. Asia and the Pacific reported 316 million arrivals in 2024, reaching 87% of pre-pandemic figures, a significant improvement from 66% in 2023. The region grew by 33%, welcoming 78 million more travelers than the previous year.
North Africa led with a 22% increase above pre-pandemic levels, followed by Central America at 17%. Southern Mediterranean Europe (+8%), the Cari.
