Global tourism grows to 84% of pre-pandemic levels
Coinciding with World Tourism Day, new data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that international tourism continues to recover with arrival numbers hitting 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023.
The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022.
Announcing the recovery, UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili stated “UNWTO data once again shows how tourism is recovering strongly in every part of the world.
“But as our sector recovers, it also needs to adapt. The extreme weather events we have witnessed over recent months as well as the critical challenges of managing increasing tourism flows underline the need to build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient sector and ensure recovery goes hand-in-hand with rethinking of our sector.”
The Middle East reported the best results in January-July 2023, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels. The region continues to be the only to exceed 2019 levels so far.
Europe, the world’s largest destination region, reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors this seven-month period and the Americas 87% according to available data.
In Asia and the Pacific, recovery accelerated to 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels after the opening of many destinations and source markets at the end of 2022 and earlier this year.
These results show international tourism remains well on track to reach 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued.
The reopening of China and other Asian markets and destinations is expected to continue boosting travel both within the region and to other parts of the world.
Image: The Great Wall of China. The reopening of Chinese tourims is expected to continue boosting travel industry growth. Credit: Shutterstock.
Related Articles
20th September 2023 - Saudi Arabia hosts global Tourism leaders to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023
19th September 2023 - ATEC tourism tutorial to refresh knowledge on Chinese market
14th September 2023 - Mekong Tourism Office promotes Internships to help with skill shortages
10th September 2023 - Future Market Insights spotlights rapid rise of cruise tourism market
8th September 2023 - WTTC spotlights the rise of Retail Tourism
7th September 2023 - PHIST highlights Southeast Asia resorts failing to capitalise on benefits of sustainable tourism
29th August 2023 - Future Market Insights spotlight rise in popularity of green tourism and ecotel certification
25th August 2023 - Tourism Authority of Thailand launches follow up ‘One for Nature’ campaign
22nd August 2023 - GlobalData reveals decrease in global tourism sector deal activity with China the exception
20th July 2023 - WTTC reiterate the importance of women’s engagement in global tourism
22nd June 2023 - UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council Sign Historic MOU
20th June 2023 - Asia-Pacific nations back UNWTO tourism safety initiative
29th May 2023 - UNWTO looks to build a new ‘narrative’ around tourism as a driver of growth
27th April 2023 - WTTC research shows global tourism approaching its 2019 peak
27th December 2021 - Global tourism leaders, scholars and entrepreneurs focus on recovery via virtual conference
29th October 2021 - World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage announces new Chief Executive
10th September 2021 - 2021 World Tourism Day set to celebrate inclusivity
28th April 2021 - World Tourism Organization and IATA partner to launch destination tracker
26th August 2020 - United Nations Secretary-General highlights the scale of world tourism’s crisis
11th June 2020 - World Tourism Organization provides global resources for industry restart
