1 1 International tourism to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024 • An estimated 1286 million international tourists (overnight visitors) were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% over 2022. • International tourism recovered 88% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by strong pent-up demand. • The Middle East led the recovery by regions in relative terms, being the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019. • Europe reached 94% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, while Africa recovered 96% and the Americas 90%. • Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels, with a gradual recovery since the start of 2023. • Four subregions: North Africa, Central America (both +5%), Southern Mediterranean Europe and the Caribbean (both +1%) exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2023. • Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019. • Preliminary estimates of tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP, the same level as in 2019, driven by both domestic and international travel. • Following a strong rebound in 2023, international tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels in international tourist arrivals. • The positive outlook for the sector is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. • The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024. • Economic and geopolitical challenges continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. International Tourist Arrivals(% change over 2019)Source: UNWTO* Provisional data-69-59-93-63-72-58-34-20-75-29-31-5-12-6-35-10-422-100-80-60-40-20020WorldEuropeAsiaPacificAmericasAfricaMiddleEast20212022Jan.-Dec. 2023* Volume 22 • Issue 1 • January 2024 EXCERPT Volume 22 • Issue 1 • January 2024 EXCERPT 2 The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency mandated with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. UNWTO’s membership includes 160 countries, 6 Associate Members, two Permanent Observers, and over 500 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. Copyright © 2024 World Tourism Organization C/ Poeta Joan Maragall 42, 28020 Madrid, Spain UNWTO World Tourism Barometer ISSN: 1728-9246 Published and printed by the World Tourism Organization, Madrid, Spain - First printin...
