WTM London: Global Travel Growth Set to Reach Milestone in 2024

Photo source: WTM London

WTM Global Travel Report: International overnight arrivals pass record 1.5 billion as consumers prioritise travel and linger longer

International tourism arrivals are projected to hit 1.5 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to the WTM Global Travel Report presented at the World Travel Market (WTM) London on November 5.

The report, compiled in partnership with Tourism Economics, analyzes data from over 185 countries, providing insights into tourism trends. It predicts that overnight tourism arrivals will grow by over 30 percent by 2030, reaching two billion, driven by emerging outbound markets. Global leisure tourism expenditure is expected to exceed US$5.5 trillion in 2024, a 24 percent increase from 2019.

Most significantly, consumers appear to be prioritising travel with it accounting for a greater share of their spending in the major advanced economies than in the 10 years pre-pandemic.

Notably, travel spending is now a larger share of consumer expenditure in major advanced economies, reaching 8.8 percent in 2024, compared to an average of 8.2 percent from 2010 to 2019. Even in regions like Asia Pacific, where recovery has been slower, travel spending is rebounding.

Increased length of stay

The number of overnight stays in paid accommodation is set to exceed 2023 levels by 7 percent and 2019 levels by 16 percent. The average length of stay for international trips has increased by 12 percent in 2024 compared to 2019, reversing a trend of shorter stays observed in the decade leading up to the pandemic.

Factors contributing to longer stays include a shift towards “slow travel” and an increase in “bleisure” trips, where business travelers extend their visits for leisure activities.

“WTM’s aim is to help attendees navigate change and equip travel professionals for the year ahead,” said WTM London Exhibitor Director Juliette Losardo. “Commissioning the WTM Global Travel Report supports our commitment to providing attendees with the latest trends shaping the travel landscape.”

WTM London 2024 will run until Thursday, November 7.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.

Stay tuned for news and updates by following our WTM London 2024 Special.