Asia Drives Increase in Outbound Travel in 2023, Says IPK-ITB Study

Photo source: ETC

Asia boosted global outbound travel in 2023 which registered a 33 percent rise year-on-year approaching pre-pandemic 2019 travel volumes, according to data released this week by ITB Berlin and IPK International.

Based on IPK World Travel Monitor data, outbound travel in Asia increased by more than 140 percent compared to a year earlier but is still at 37 percent below 2019 levels. Global travel volumes were still down by 12 percent compared to pre-Covid 2019 levels.

Outbound travel in Europe also increased by 18 percent, in North America by 31 percent, and in Latin America by 27 percent.

The largest source markets in 2023 were the US, Germany, and the UK, which accounted for one-third of the global outbound travel volume.

IPK International: a big global increase in outbound travel in 2023. Source: ITB Berlin

Other key takeaways of the report released ahead of ITB Berlin 2024 to take place next week include:

– destinations winning over the crowds last year were Spain – the most-visited destination globally – and among the highest rated were Dubai, Maldives, South Africa, Abu Dhabi, Austria, and Switzerland

– top reason for travel in 2023 were vacations with a focus on sun and beach and city breaks

– more than 60 percent of outbound travel was by air

– the cost of travel increased in 2023, primarily due to rising air travel costs

– travelers stayed for an average of nine overnights at destinations.

“Despite rising travel costs, interest in outbound travel this year remains high – what is noticeable is that travel satisfaction is becoming an increasingly important factor,” said the report.

Crisis fully over by the end of 2024

According to IPK International, some travel destinations and travel markets have already recovered to 2019 levels, while others are distinctly lagging. In 2023, some destinations again suffered from overtourism. One-third of respondents said they felt their destination was overcrowded. Nevertheless, the latest findings of the World Travel Monitor forecasting global outbound travel trends over the next 12 months are positive and lay the foundation for a full recovery in almost every market and segments by the end of 2024.

Visitors to ITB Berlin can gain further insights on the industry at the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 during March 5–7.