The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced on Friday that international tourism is expected to rebound and even surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the Madrid-based agency, initial estimates indicate a 2.0 percent growth above 2019 levels, marking a full recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, international tourist numbers reached 1.3 billion, a significant increase of 44 percent compared to 2022 and 88 percent of the figures recorded in 2019. The UNWTO highlighted a particularly robust recovery in Asian markets, with the Middle East leading the way by exceeding pre-pandemic levels with a 22 percent increase in arrivals compared to 2019.
Europe, recognized as the world’s most visited region, also demonstrated a strong performance, achieving tourism numbers equivalent to 94 percent of its 2019 figures. Likewise, Africa reached 96 percent of its pre-pandemic levels. However, the Asia-Pacific region showed relatively slower progress, reaching only 65 percent of its pre-pandemic levels despite China’s relaxation of health restrictions a year ago.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili expressed optimism about the industry’s resilience and rapid recovery, stating, “The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024.”
Chinese tourism is anticipated to gain momentum in the coming year, as Beijing has announced visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia until the end of November. However, the organization cautioned that the 2024 prediction is contingent on the pace of recovery in Asia and is subject to economic and geopolitical risks, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and global economic uncertainties.
The UNWTO also warned about potential challenges such as persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices, and disruptions to trade, which could impact transport and accommodation costs in 2024. Despite the positive outlook, the organization stressed that the prediction remains sensitive to the evolving global situation.
In conclusion, the UNWTO’s latest report paints a positive picture of the recovery of international tourism, with Asia playing a key role, while also acknowledging potential challenges that could affect the industry’s trajectory in the coming year.
Comments