International tourism rebounded to 96 percent of pre-pandemic figures in the first seven months of 2024, fueled by robust demand in Europe and the reopening of markets in Asia and the Pacific.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, approximately 790 million travelers ventured abroad during this period, marking an 11 percent increase compared to 2023 and only 4 percent below 2019 levels. The data indicates a strong beginning to the year, followed by a more subdued second quarter. These results align with UN Tourism’s forecast of a complete recovery in international arrivals by the end of 2024, even amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Resurgence amid challenges

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili indicated that international tourism is nearing a complete recovery from the significant crisis the sector has experienced. He noted that this resurgence, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, highlights the robust demand for international travel and the effectiveness of improving air connectivity and easing visa regulations. He also emphasized the growing need for strategic tourism planning to address its impact on communities, ensuring that the substantial socio-economic benefits are aligned with inclusive and sustainable policies.

Middle East leads growth

With improved air connectivity and facilitated visa processes bolstering the recovery of international travel, all regions worldwide have reported a strong performance thus far.

In relative terms, the Middle East emerged as the fastest-growing region, with international arrivals soaring 26 percent above 2019 levels in the initial seven months of 2024. Africa saw a 7 percent increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019.

Near-pre-pandemic levels in Europe and the Americas

Europe and the Americas reached 99 percent and 97 percent of their pre-pandemic visitor numbers, respectively, during these seven months.

Recovery trends in Asia and the Pacific

Asia and the Pacific recorded 82 percent of their pre-pandemic tourist figures (down 18 percent from 2019), achieving 85 percent in June and 86 percent in July.

Strong performers in early 2024

Out of 120 destinations worldwide, 67 had recovered their 2019 arrival numbers in the first half of 2024, based on reporting from countries providing monthly or quarterly data. Notable performers from January to July 2024 included Qatar (+147 percent compared to 2019), where arrivals more than doubled, as well as Albania (+93 percent), El Salvador (+81 percent), Saudi Arabia (+73 percent), the Republic of Moldova (+50 percent through June), and Tanzania (+49 percent through June).

Read more: Dubai launches new initiative to attract investments, boost global medical tourism market

Positive outlook for the remainder of 2024

The UN Tourism Confidence Index indicates positive outlooks for the remainder of the year, with a score of 120 points for September to December 2024, although this is lower than the 130 points recorded for May to August (on a scale of 0 to 200, where 100 denotes equal expected performance). About 47 percent of tourism experts surveyed anticipate improved sector performance in the last four months of 2024, while 41 percent expect similar outcomes, and 11 percent foresee a decline. This reflects a gradual normalization of tourism performance following a strong showing in 2023.

Challenges facing the tourism sector

Experts have highlighted inflation in travel and tourism, particularly high transportation and accommodation costs, as the primary challenge facing the sector today, along with broader economic concerns, workforce shortages, and extreme weather events.

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