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.