UNWTO: Global Tourism Is Recovering, Approaching 84% Of Pre-pandemic Levels
The latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data reveals that international tourism is on the road to recovery as international tourist arrivals recovered to 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of July.
Such data show that, in particular, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa are at the forefront of the global tourism sector rebound. Between January and July 2023, 700 million tourists embarked on international trips, marking an increase of 43 per cent compared to the same months in 2022, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to UNWTO figures, this growth peaked in July, with 145 million international travellers, accounting for over 20 per cent of the total for the seven-month period.
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.
As for the regions of the world that have recorded high rates of tourism recovery during the first seven months of 2023, the Middle East stands out as the highest-performing region, with arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 20 per cent. The UNWTO also points out that this region is the only one to have exceeded 2019 levels so far.
Moreover, Europe also experienced a recovery, thus totalling 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Such progress was driven by strong regional demand and increased travel from the United States.
Similarly, Africa made significant strides in its recovery, regaining 92 per cent of pre-crisis visitor numbers during the first seven months of the year, while America reached 87 per cent.
Further UNWTO data show that in Asia and the Pacific, recovery accelerated to 61 per cent of pre-pandemic arrival levels. The same authority said this revival was facilitated by reopening many destinations and source markets late last year and early in 2023.
According to the UNWTO, these results prove that international tourism is on track to reach between 80 per cent and 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023. The outlook for September-December 2023, as shown by the latest UNWTO Confidence Index, suggests that the recovery will continue more gradually than the peak travel season from June to August.
UNWTO forecasts that a positive impact on travel will be the continued reopening of China and other Asian markets and destinations, driving tourism growth within and in other parts of the world.
At the same time, challenging economic conditions continue to be an essential factor influencing the trajectory of international tourism recovery in 2023.
>> International Tourism in 2023 Set to Hit Pre-Pandemic Levels
