Tourism Industry Bounces Back Strongly from the Pandemic

Global tourism has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with international tourist arrivals reaching 1.4 billion in 2024, as reported by the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism.

This marks 99% of pre-pandemic levels, reflecting an 11% increase from 2023, fueled by strong demand, exceptional performance from key source markets, and recovery across multiple regions.

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Strong growth across the globe

• Middle East: The region welcomed 95 million arrivals, representing a 32% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, solidifying its status as the top-performing area.
• Africa: Received 74 million international tourists, a 7% increase over 2019 and a 12% rise from 2023.
• Europe: Attracted 747 million visitors, 1% higher than 2019 figures and up 5% year on year, bolstered by intraregional travel.
• Americas: Attained 97% of pre-pandemic arrival numbers, with Central America and the Caribbean surpassing 2019 levels.
• Asia and the Pacific: Continued its rapid recovery with 316 million visitors, a 33% increase from 2023, reaching 87% of pre-pandemic totals.

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Key trends and achievements

• Top performers: Regions such as El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+69%), and Morocco (+35%) significantly outperformed pre-pandemic arrival rates.
• Economic impact: Tourism exports reached an unprecedented $1.9 trillion in 2024, exceeding 2019 figures by 3% in real terms. International tourism receipts hit $1.6 trillion, driven by higher spending per tourist, averaging $1,100 in 2024.
• Industry indicators: International air capacity and traffic are nearly fully restored, while global accommodation occupancy rates reached 66% by the end of 2024.

Outlook for 2025

International arrivals are projected to grow by 3-5% in 2025, provided economic conditions remain favorable, inflation recedes, and geopolitical situations stabilize.

According to UN Tourism’s Confidence Index, there is optimism, with 64% of experts forecasting improved performance in 2025.

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Nevertheless, challenges persist. Increasing transportation and accommodation costs, geopolitical uncertainties, and extreme weather events present significant risks. Emphasizing sustainable tourism practices and focusing on lesser-known destinations are critical trends that will shape the future of global travel.

“In 2024, global tourism has fully recovered from the pandemic, with many destinations exceeding pre-pandemic levels already,” stated UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

“Growth is expected to persist throughout 2025, contributing to socio-economic development globally. It is now our duty to prioritize sustainable practices, centering people and the planet in tourism’s future.”

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