Global Tourism Inches Closer to Pre-Covid 2019 Levels, Says UN

International tourism is on the road to recovery, with global tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 reaching 97 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to UN Tourism. The sector welcomed more than 285 million travelers, marking a 20 percent increase from the same period in 2023.

UN Tourism is optimistic about a full recovery in 2024, with arrivals expected to surpass 2019 levels by 2 percent. Regional performance varied, with the Middle East leading the way with a 36 percent growth in Q1 2024 compared to 2019. Europe also showed resilience, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 1 percent, with Western Europe up by 7 percent and Southern Mediterranean Europe by 1 percent.

Top performing destinations in Q1 2024 included Qatar, Albania, and Saudi Arabia, with significant increases in tourist arrivals. In terms of tourism receipts, global revenue reached 1.5 trillion dollars in 2023, with Europe generating the highest revenue surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 7 percent.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism policies and destination management to ensure the sector’s positive impact on economies and communities. Looking ahead, the UN Tourism Confidence Index predicts a strong summer season with robust demand and improved air connectivity, signaling a continued recovery for the tourism industry.