International tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the United Nations Tourism Office, more than 285 million tourists traveled abroad between January and March, an increase of about 20% from the first quarter of 2023, as the tourism industry struggles to cope with the pandemic. This highlights that the country has almost completely recovered from its impact.
In 2023, international tourist arrivals recovered to 89% of 2019 levels, but export earnings from tourism remained at 97%, and direct tourism GDP reached the same level as in 2019.
The United Nations Tourism Office’s forecast for 2024 shows a full recovery in international tourism, with arrivals increasing by 2% from 2019 levels. In line with this, the latest data released by the United Nations tourism agency shows that:
However, it also recalls the need to ensure appropriate tourism policies and destination management, aiming to promote sustainability and inclusiveness, while addressing sector externalities and impacts on resources and local communities.
The Middle East showed the strongest relative growth, with international arrivals rising 36% above pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024 and 4% above the first quarter of 2023. This follows an impressive performance in 2023, when the Middle East became the first region in the world to recover. Pre-pandemic numbers (+22%). Europe, the world’s largest destination, exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time in a quarter (up 1% from Q1 2019). The region recorded 120 million international tourists in the first three months of this year, supported by strong regional demand. In Africa, arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 were 5% higher than the first quarter of 2019 and 13% higher than the first quarter of 2023. The Americas virtually recovered pre-pandemic numbers in the first quarter, with arrivals reaching 99% of 2019 levels. International tourism is recovering rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region, with arrivals reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, after recovering by 65% in 2023.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, said: “The recovery of this sector is very welcome news for our economies and the livelihoods of millions of people. But at the same time, sustainability and inclusion are It also reminds us of the need to ensure appropriate tourism policies and destination management aimed at promoting gender equality.” while addressing sector externalities and impacts on resources and communities. ”
By region, North Africa performed best in the first quarter of 2014, with a 23% increase in international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels, followed by Central America (up 8%), the Caribbean, and Western Europe ( Both increased by 7%). Europe, in the southern Mediterranean, is 1% above pre-pandemic levels, and South America has effectively reached 2019 levels. Northern Europe has recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels, while sub-Saharan Africa and North America have both recovered to 95%.
According to available data, many destinations around the world are The company continues to perform well in the first quarter of 2024. ), Curacao (+45%), Serbia (+43%), Turks and Caicos Islands (+42%), Guatemala (+41%), and Bulgaria (+38%).
The strong performance of international tourism can also be seen in the United Nations Tourism Confidence Index, which reached 130 points (on a scale of 0 to 200) for the period January to April, indicated for this period in mid-January. It exceeded my expectations (122). .
receipt
International tourism receipts reached USD 1.5 trillion in 2023, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels in nominal terms but 97% in real terms after adjusting for inflation.
By region, Europe was the highest earner in 2023, with destinations earning $660 billion, effectively 7% above pre-pandemic levels. Revenues in the Middle East were 33% above 2019 levels. The Americas recovered 96% of pre-pandemic revenues in 2023, and Africa 95%. Asia-Pacific earned 78% of its pre-crisis revenue, an astonishing result compared to last year’s 65% recovery in arrivals.
Export earnings from international tourism (including revenue and passenger traffic) reached USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, approximately 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism’s direct GDP has recovered to pre-pandemic levels and will reach an estimated USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 3% of global GDP.
Based on available data, some destinations that performed impressively in terms of revenue this quarter compared to 2019 levels include Serbia (+127%), Turkiye (+82%), Pakistan (+72%), Tanzania (+62%), Portugal (+61%), Romania (+57%), Japan (+53%), Mongolia (+50%), Mauritius (+46%), Morocco ( +44%).
Looking ahead to a full global recovery in 2024
International tourism is expected to fully recover in 2024 on the back of strong demand, strengthened air connectivity and continued recovery in China and other key Asian markets.
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index shows a positive outlook for the upcoming summer season, with a score of 130 (on a scale of 0 to 200) for May to August 2024, a more upbeat sentiment than earlier this year. It is reflected. Approximately 62% of tourism professionals who took part in the Confidence Survey expressed expectations for the four-month period covering the Northern Hemisphere summer season to be better (53%) or much better (9%); 31% expect similar performance in 2023.
Challenges remain
Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to international tourism and confidence levels, according to the United Nations Panel of Tourism Experts.
The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (April 2024) predicts a steady and slow economic recovery, although this will vary by region. At the same time, transportation and accommodation costs continue to rise due to continued inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices, and trade disruptions.
Travelers are expected to continue seeking value for money and traveling closer to home in response to rising prices and overall economic challenges, but extreme temperatures and other weather events may It can influence many travelers’ destination choices. This is increasingly cited as a concern in this area by the United Nations Panel of Tourism Experts.
Uncertainties arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict between Hamas and Israel, and other rising geopolitical tensions are also important downside risks to international tourism.
As international tourism continues to recover and expand, driving economic growth and jobs around the world, governments will continue to adapt and strengthen tourism management at national and local levels to put local communities and people at the heart of this development. There is a need to.
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