Global Tourism Rebounds to Pre-COVID Levels
Tourism revenues reached $1.6 trillion in 2024, surpassing 2019 figures.
After four years of recovery, global tourism has returned to the record levels of 2019, according to a recent report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In 2024, 1.4 billion international travelers were recorded, reflecting an 11% increase from 2023, matching pre-pandemic figures.
Tourism revenues rose significantly, reaching $1,600 billion, marking a 3% increase over 2023 and a 4% rise from 2019 when adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, noted in a statement that many regions are reporting numbers exceeding those of 2019.
Europe remains the top destination globally, with 747 million international arrivals, fueled by strong intra-regional demand.
This represents a 5% increase from the previous year and a 1% increase over 2019.
The Middle East saw a 32% rise over pre-pandemic levels, driven by interest in destinations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
North Africa and Central America also experienced significant growth, with increases of 22% and 17%, respectively.
The Asia-Pacific region witnessed the highest growth in tourism at 33% following the full lifting of travel restrictions in China.
However, the 316 million international arrivals still fell short of the pre-pandemic levels.
Before the pandemic, China was the largest source of international tourists, accounting for 154 million travelers worldwide.
Looking ahead, the UNWTO forecasts a 3% to 5% increase in international travel in 2025, contingent upon favorable economic conditions, declining inflation, and stable geopolitical situations.
Despite these positive trends, the tourism sector faces several challenges.
The surge in tourism has led to tensions in countries such as Japan and Spain, the latter being the second most visited destination after France.
Spain welcomed 94 million tourists in 2024, a record number.
The concentration of tourists in certain areas has resulted in congestion and a rise in housing prices, as properties are increasingly rented to tourists at premium rates.
In response, cities like Venice, Italy, have implemented measures such as charging for day visits, while Kyoto, Japan, plans to significantly increase its tourist taxes.
Concerns also extend to the environmental impact of mass tourism.
A December study in Nature highlighted that tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions are currently increasing at twice the rate of those in the overall economy.
The UNWTO emphasizes the importance of centering tourism development on both people and the planet, underscoring the sector's substantial responsibilities.
In 2024, 1.4 billion international travelers were recorded, reflecting an 11% increase from 2023, matching pre-pandemic figures.
Tourism revenues rose significantly, reaching $1,600 billion, marking a 3% increase over 2023 and a 4% rise from 2019 when adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, noted in a statement that many regions are reporting numbers exceeding those of 2019.
Europe remains the top destination globally, with 747 million international arrivals, fueled by strong intra-regional demand.
This represents a 5% increase from the previous year and a 1% increase over 2019.
The Middle East saw a 32% rise over pre-pandemic levels, driven by interest in destinations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
North Africa and Central America also experienced significant growth, with increases of 22% and 17%, respectively.
The Asia-Pacific region witnessed the highest growth in tourism at 33% following the full lifting of travel restrictions in China.
However, the 316 million international arrivals still fell short of the pre-pandemic levels.
Before the pandemic, China was the largest source of international tourists, accounting for 154 million travelers worldwide.
Looking ahead, the UNWTO forecasts a 3% to 5% increase in international travel in 2025, contingent upon favorable economic conditions, declining inflation, and stable geopolitical situations.
Despite these positive trends, the tourism sector faces several challenges.
The surge in tourism has led to tensions in countries such as Japan and Spain, the latter being the second most visited destination after France.
Spain welcomed 94 million tourists in 2024, a record number.
The concentration of tourists in certain areas has resulted in congestion and a rise in housing prices, as properties are increasingly rented to tourists at premium rates.
In response, cities like Venice, Italy, have implemented measures such as charging for day visits, while Kyoto, Japan, plans to significantly increase its tourist taxes.
Concerns also extend to the environmental impact of mass tourism.
A December study in Nature highlighted that tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions are currently increasing at twice the rate of those in the overall economy.
The UNWTO emphasizes the importance of centering tourism development on both people and the planet, underscoring the sector's substantial responsibilities.
