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International tourism recovers compared to the time before the pandemic

According to UN Tourism, in the first quarter of 2024, the world recorded more than 285 million international tourists globally, 20% more than the same period in 2023, and reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

Asia-Pacific saw a rapid recovery in international tourism, where arrivals reached 82% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. Vietnam is one of the markets recording the fastest growth in international visitors in Asia-Pacific with an increase of 3% compared to 2019.

Other markets with high growth in international visitors include the Maldives ( +25%), Mongolia (+14%), Fiji (+13%), and Samoa (+4%). International arrivals to the Americas nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter, with arrivals reaching 99% of 2019 levels. Africa welcomed 5% more arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 than in the first quarter of 2019, and 13% more arrivals than in the first quarter of 2023.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili remarked on global tourism's recent developments.

"The industry's recovery is good news for our economy and the livelihoods of millions of people. However, this recovery reminds of the need to ensure adequate tourism and destination management policies that promote sustainability and inclusion, while also addressing externalities and impacts of industry to resources and communities."

International tourist arrivals in the first quarter worldwide recorded a recovery close to pre-pandemic levels. (Chart: UN Tourism)

2024: Full recovery but many challenges remain

Based on the results, UN Tourism forecasts that international tourism is expected to fully recover by 2024 thanks to strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and the continued recovery of the Chinese market, as well as other major markets in Asia.

The UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index shows a positive outlook this summer, with a score of 130 between May and August 2024 (on a scale of 0 to 200), reflecting a more optimistic sentiment compared to the beginning of this year.

62% of travel professionals participating in the tourism confidence survey expressed expectations for a better (53%) or much better (9%) recovery over this four-month period, including summer in the Northern Hemisphere. 31% of experts predict a recovery performance similar to 2023.

According to UN Tourism experts, economic and geopolitical obstacles continue to pose significant challenges to international tourism and travel confidence.

The IMF's latest World Economic Outlook (April 2024) points to a steady but slow economic recovery, although there are regional differences. At the same time, the IMF pointed out that factors such as persistent inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices, and trade disruptions continue to lead to high transportation and accommodation costs.

It is expected that tourists will continue to seek affordable destinations and travel closer to home in response to rising prices and general economic challenges.

UN Tourism recommends that, as international tourism continues to recover and expand, driving economic growth and jobs worldwide, governments will need to continue to regulate and strengthen tourism management at national and local levels to ensure communities and people are at the heart of this development.

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