Global Tourism Nears Full Recovery with Robust Spending Growth
Global tourism has virtually bounced back, with an estimated 1.4 billion international tourists in 2024, achieving 99% of pre-pandemic levels. This data is according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. International tourism receipts hit a staggering USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, marking a 3% increase from 2023 and a 4% rise from 2019.
The Middle East outshone other regions with arrivals soaring 32% above pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Europe welcomed a substantial 747 million international arrivals. A handful of destinations reported phenomenal growth, with El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+69%), and Ethiopia (+40%) leading the pack compared to 2019 levels.
“In 2024, global tourism completed its recovery from the pandemic and, in many places, tourist arrivals and especially earnings are already higher than in 2019,” stated UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. He anticipates the growth to persist through 2025, propelled by robust demand contributing to socio-economic development worldwide.
Source: UN Tourism