Global Tourism Sees Remarkable Recovery: 1.1 Billion International Travelers in 2024
Approximately 1.1 billion tourists traveled internationally during the first nine months of 2024, signaling a robust recovery in the global tourism sector, which has now returned to 98% of its pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, a complete recovery from the industry’s most significant crisis is anticipated by the end of the year, despite facing various economic, geopolitical, and climate challenges. Four years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted global tourism, the Barometer highlights the sector’s impressive rebound, with most regions exceeding 2019 arrival figures from January to September 2024. The report also indicates significant growth in international tourism receipts, with many destinations reporting double-digit increases compared to 2019. Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, stated, “The substantial growth in tourism receipts is fantastic news for economies worldwide. The increase in visitor spending, which is growing faster than arrivals, has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses, significantly contributing to many economies’ balance of payments and tax revenues.”
Regional Tourism Performance
International tourist arrivals surged in the first nine months of 2024, fueled by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe, robust performance from major source markets, and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Enhanced air connectivity and simplified visa processes have also facilitated international travel. The Middle East experienced remarkable growth, with arrivals up 29% compared to 2019, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The Americas recovered 97% of their pre-pandemic arrivals, reflecting a decrease of just 3% from 2019. Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific achieved 85% of 2019 levels, a notable improvement from 66% recovery in 2023. The summer season of the Northern Hemisphere saw worldwide arrivals reach 99% of pre-pandemic figures in Q3 2024. Out of 111 destinations, 60 exceeded 2019 arrival numbers during the first eight to nine months of 2024. Noteworthy performers included Qatar (+141%), Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), and both Colombia and Andorra (+36%).
Impressive Growth in Tourism Receipts
Among 43 countries with available data on tourism receipts, 35 surpassed pre-pandemic earnings during the first eight to nine months of 2024, many reporting double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies), outpacing inflation in most cases. Top performers in earnings included Serbia (+99%), where receipts more than doubled compared to the same period in 2019, along with Pakistan (+64%), Romania (+61%), Japan (+59%), Portugal (+51%), and both Nicaragua and Tanzania (+50%). Among the highest earners, Japan (+59%), Türkiye (+41%), and France (+27%) all achieved double-digit growth through September 2024. Spain (+36%) and Italy (+26%) also reported strong visitor receipts through August. The United Kingdom saw a 43% increase in earnings, with Canada (+35%) and Australia (+18%) also showing growth through June 2024. The United States, the world’s top tourism earner, reported a 7% increase through September.
Path to Full Recovery by End of 2024
International tourist arrivals are on track to reach 2019 levels by the end of 2024, with international tourism receipts having nearly returned to pre-pandemic figures in 2023. While many destinations have already exceeded 2019 arrival numbers in 2023 or 2024, there is still potential for recovery in various subregions and destinations. A slower rebound is evident in parts of North-East Asia and Central Eastern Europe, contrasting with strong results in other European subregions, the Middle East, Central America, and the Caribbean, where arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The year 2024 has also seen strong export revenues from international tourism, driven by higher average spending per trip (excluding inflation effects), partly due to longer stays.
Remaining Challenges
Despite the generally positive outcomes, several economic, geopolitical, and climate challenges persist. The tourism sector continues to grapple with inflation, particularly high prices for transport and accommodation, as well as fluctuating oil prices. Ongoing global conflicts and tensions are impacting consumer confidence, while extreme weather events and labor shortages remain critical challenges affecting tourism performance.
Originally Published at TRAVELNEWSAFRICA
