In 2023, global tourism nearly reached pre-pandemic levels with 89% of 2019’s figures, 97% revenue recovery, and a full rebound in tourism GDP, reports UN Tourism.

In 2023, global tourist entries nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, capturing 89% of the figures from 2019, while income generated from tourism hit 97% of 2019’s total and the direct GDP from tourism aligned with 2019’s benchmark.

Forecasts by UN Tourism for 2024 suggest a complete rebound in global tourism, with international arrivals anticipated to exceed 2019 levels by 2%. Recent statistics from the UN’s tourism-focused agency highlight several key developments:

The Middle East demonstrated the most significant growth, with international tourist numbers in the first quarter of 2024 surpassing those from the same period before the pandemic by 36%, and showing a 4% increase over the first quarter of 2023. This region had already shown remarkable recovery in 2023, with a 22% increase over pre-pandemic figures.

Europe, hosting the highest volume of international tourists globally, recorded a slight increase over pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with a 1% rise compared to the first quarter of 2019. The region welcomed 120 million visitors in early 2024, bolstered by strong demand within the region.

Africa observed a 5% rise in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2019, and a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The Americas almost reached their pre-pandemic tourist numbers in early 2024, achieving 99% of the figures from 2019.

Tourism in Asia and the Pacific is swiftly approaching recovery, with tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 hitting 82% of the levels seen before the pandemic, following a 65% recovery throughout 2023.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The recovery of the sector is very welcome news for our economies and the livelihoods of millions. Yet it also recalls the need to ensure adequate tourism policies and destination management, aiming to advance sustainability and inclusion, while addressing the externalities and impact of the sector on resources and communities”.

By specific areas, North Africa led with a 23% increase in tourists compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter, followed by Central America with 8%, and both the Caribbean and Western Europe with 7% increases. Southern Mediterranean Europe slightly exceeded its pre-pandemic numbers by 1%, while South America nearly matched its 2019 figures. Northern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa both recorded recoveries at 95% and 98%, respectively.

Remarkable gains continued across various global destinations in the first quarter of 2024, with Qatar seeing a 177% increase compared to the first quarter of 2019, followed by Albania at 121%, Saudi Arabia at 98%, and other notable increases in Tanzania, Curaçao, Serbia, Turks and Caicos, Guatemala, and Bulgaria.

The UN Tourism Confidence Index also reflected this positive trend, reaching 130 points out of a possible 200 for January through April, surpassing the earlier prediction of 122 points for this period.

In 2023, global tourism revenue reached USD 1.5 trillion, marking a full recovery to pre-pandemic figures in nominal terms, though when adjusted for inflation, the figure stood at 97%.

Regionally, Europe led in earnings, with tourism revenues totaling USD 660 billion, a 7% increase over pre-pandemic figures in real terms. The Middle East saw a 33% surge above 2019 levels. The Americas achieved 96% of its pre-crisis earnings, while Africa reached 95%. Asia and the Pacific reported receipts at 78% of their pre-crisis levels, a significant recovery from their 65% recuperation in visitor numbers the previous year.

Overall, the total export revenues from international tourism, encompassing both receipts and passenger transport, amounted to USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, approximately 96% of the levels seen before the pandemic. The direct GDP from tourism also restored to pre-pandemic levels, estimated at USD 3.3 trillion or 3% of the global GDP.

Standout performers in receipt gains for the quarter included Serbia, with an increase of 127% compared to 2019, followed by Türkiye, Pakistan, Tanzania, Portugal, Romania, Japan, Mongolia, Mauritius, and Morocco, all posting notable gains.

Looking forward to 2024, full recovery in international tourism is anticipated, supported by strong demand, improved air connectivity, and the ongoing recovery of China and other significant markets in Asia.

The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index anticipates a positive outlook for the summer of 2024, with a score of 130 indicating optimism higher than earlier in the year. A majority of tourism experts, about 62%, foresee improved conditions for the upcoming four months of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season, although challenges remain.

Economic and geopolitical concerns, such as persistent inflation, high interest rates, fluctuating oil prices, and trade disruptions, continue to challenge the tourism sector, potentially driving tourists to seek value closer to home. Additionally, extreme weather conditions could influence travel choices.

Geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing issues in the Middle East, pose further risks to the sector.

As the tourism industry continues to recover and expand, contributing to economic growth and job creation worldwide, it is crucial for governments to adapt and improve tourism management to ensure that local communities benefit from this development.

The U.S. Travel Association predicts that international arrivals to the U.S. will exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with an expected 86.1 million travelers. In 2023, the majority of these visitors (58.7%) came for leisure purposes.

In the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index, the U.S. ranks as the leading economy, evaluated across various factors such as infrastructure, attractions, and policies. The report underscores that the U.S. offers highly favorable conditions for tourism development.

Saudi Arabia is also making substantial investments in its tourism infrastructure in 2024, aligned with its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. The country has attracted considerable private sector investments, with approximately $13 billion allocated to add between 150,000 and 200,000 hotel rooms over the next two years. Additionally, Saudi Arabia aims to attract up to $80 billion in private investment to become one of the world’s most visited destinations. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy away from its traditional reliance on the oil and gas industry. Projections suggest that the tourism sector could contribute nearly $169 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2032, representing 17.1% of the total economy. The Kingdom aims to attract 100 million foreign and domestic visitors annually by 2030, increasing tourism’s share of the economy from approximately 3% to 10%.

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