Global Tourism Makes a Full Recovery with 1.4 Billion International Travels in 2024
International tourism has officially bounced back from the impact of the pandemic. A staggering 1.4 billion tourists traveled internationally in 2024, marking a near-complete recovery of 99% to pre-pandemic levels. This data is according to the latest UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer.
This figure represents an impressive 11% increase over 2023, adding 140 million more international tourist arrivals. The Middle East leads the recovery, with arrivals 32% above 2019 levels. Meanwhile, Europe welcomed 747 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers by 1%.
Destinations with Outstanding Growth
- Qatar (+137%)
- Albania (+80%)
- Colombia (+37%)
These figures are compared to 2019 levels. Tourism spending has also surged dramatically across major destinations.
Increased Tourism Receipts
- El Salvador: 206% increase
- Saudi Arabia: 148% increase
- Albania: 136% increase
These increases were recorded in local currencies during the first nine to eleven months of 2024.
Top Tourism Earners
- United Kingdom: 40% growth
- Spain: 36% growth
- France: 27% growth
- Italy: 23% growth
These figures are compared to 2019 levels. Industry experts anticipate continued growth throughout 2025, driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust performance from large source markets, and ongoing recovery in Asia-Pacific destinations.