International tourism is set to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded worldwide. This means that the sector has emerged from the worst crisis in its history, while visitor spending has also increased significantly.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, tourist arrivals in 2024 were 99% of 2019 levels, an increase of 11% compared to 2023. The results were driven by a rapid recovery in Asia-Pacific, strong performance in major sending markets, and a surge in global travel demand.
Results by region:
- Middle East: with 95 million arrivals, up 32% on 2019, the region reported the strongest performance, while also achieving a 20% increase on 2023.
- Africa: with 74 million arrivals, it exceeded the 2019 level by 7% and the 2023 figure by 12%.
- Europe: the world’s largest tourism region, with 747 million arrivals (+1% compared to 2019). Of the European sub-regions, all but Central and Eastern Europe exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
- Americas: with 213 million arrivals, it reached 97% of the 2019 level, but the Caribbean and Central America exceeded it.
- Asia and the Pacific: although arrivals are still only 87% of 2019 levels, the region has seen a 33% increase compared to 2023.
International tourism receipts reached USD 1.6 trillion, up 4% on 2019 (in real terms). Export receipts reached a record USD 1.9 trillion in 2024, driven by growth in major sending countries such as Germany, the United States and India.
International tourist arrivals are expected to grow further in 2025, driven by global demand and a rebound in the Asian region. However, the sector faces challenges such as high costs, geopolitical uncertainties and increasing sustainability demands. The continued growth of tourism will play a crucial role not only for the economy but also for sustainable development in the coming years (UN Tourism).