International Travel Still on Hold Despite Uptick in May, Says UNWTO

Photo source: UNWTO

Between January and May, international tourist arrivals were 85 percent below 2019 levels (or a 65 percent drop on 2020) between January and May, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said on Wednesday.

The latest UNWTO data shows that over the first five months of the year, world destinations recorded 147 million fewer international arrivals (overnight visitors) compared to the same period of 2020, or 460 million less than pre-pandemic year of 2019.

However, the data does point to a relatively small upturn in May, with arrivals declining by 82 percent (versus May 2019), after falling by 86 percent in April.

“Despite a small uptick in May, the emergence of Covid-19 variants and the continued imposition of restrictions are weighing on the recovery of international travel,” the UNWTO said.

By regions, Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the largest decline with a 95 percent drop in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. Europe (-85 percent) recorded the second largest decline in arrivals, followed by the Middle East (-83 percent) and Africa (-81 percent). The Americas (-72 percent) saw a comparatively smaller decrease.

In June, the number of destinations with complete closure of borders decreased to 63, from 69 in February. Of these, 33 were in Asia and the Pacific, while just seven in Europe, the region with the fewest restrictions on travel currently in place.

Mixed outlook for remainder of 2021

According to the UNWTO, international tourism is slowly picking up, though recovery remains very fragile and uneven.

“Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures. In addition, the volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season,” the UNWTO said.

However, according to the organization, vaccination programmes around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.

In addition, the UNWTO’s data shows that domestic travel is driving the recovery in many destinations, especially those with large domestic markets. Domestic air seat capacity in China and Russia has already exceeded pre-crisis levels, while domestic travel in the United States is strengthening further.