International Tourism Recovers Pre-Covid-19 Levels in 2024

Photo source: UN Tourism

With 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded globally, 2024 marked the recovery of international tourism from the Covid-19 pandemic – the worst crisis in the sector’s history, the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) said on Tuesday.

This marks a 99 percent recovery from 2019 and represents an 11 percent increase compared to 2023, driven by post-pandemic demand, strong source markets, and Asia-Pacific’s ongoing recovery, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism.

“In 2024, global tourism completed its recovery from the pandemic, and in many places, arrivals and earnings are already higher than in 2019,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Europe leads the global recovery

Europe, the world’s largest tourism region, welcomed 747 million international arrivals in 2024, surpassing 2019 figures by 1 percent and 2023 levels by 5 percent. Strong intraregional demand drove growth, with Southern Mediterranean Europe (+8 percent) and Northern Europe (+5 percent) performing particularly well. However, Central and Eastern Europe lagged behind due to the ongoing effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Other regions also demonstrated strong performance in 2024. The Middle East saw a remarkable 32 percent increase in international arrivals compared to 2019, reaching 95 million travelers. Africa welcomed 74 million arrivals, 7 percent above pre-pandemic levels and 12 percent higher than in 2023. The Americas recovered 97 percent of pre-pandemic arrivals, with notable growth in the Caribbean and Central America, while Asia and the Pacific experienced a significant rebound, reaching 316 million arrivals — an improvement to 87 percent of 2019 levels, with a 33 percent increase from 2023.

Arrivals: Tourism booms in key destinations

Photo source: UN Tourism

A majority of destinations exceeded pre-pandemic arrival levels in 2024.

Notable growth was reported in countries such as El Salvador (+81 percent), Saudi Arabia (+69 percent), and Morocco (+35 percent). Meanwhile, destinations like Qatar (+137 percent) and Albania (+80 percent) showcased exceptional year-on-year growth for the first ten months of 2024.

Revenue: Record highs for tourism exports

Tourism receipts reached USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, 3 percent higher than in 2023 and 4 percent above 2019 levels in real terms. Total exports, including passenger transport, hit a record USD 1.9 trillion. Among top earners, the UK (+40 percent), Spain (+36 percent), and France (+27 percent) demonstrated strong performance. Key markets like Germany and the United States also reported substantial expenditure growth, at +36 percent and +34 percent, respectively.

Positive outlook for 2025

Photo source: UN Tourism

Global tourism is set to grow by 3 to 5 percent in 2025, driven by a robust recovery in Asia-Pacific and steady performance in other regions. Projections rely on favorable economic conditions, declining inflation, and stability in geopolitical conflicts.

Challenges ahead

Key challenges for 2025 include economic pressures such as high travel costs (transport and accommodation) and oil price volatility, alongside geopolitical risks, extreme weather events, and staffing shortages. Travelers are expected to seek greater value for money.

Sustainability will remain crucial, with trends like adopting eco-friendly practices and exploring lesser-known destinations shaping the future.

“Growth is expected to continue throughout 2025, driven by strong demand contributing to socio-economic development,” Pololikashvili highlighted. “This reminds us of the sector’s responsibility to accelerate transformation, centering tourism around people and the planet.”