After a period of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, international tourism is finally showing signs of recovery. According to initial estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourism revenues reached $1.4 trillion in 2023, representing around 93% of revenues recorded in 2019. Good news for the tourism industry which has been hit hard by travel restrictions and border closures.
The figures also show that total export revenues from tourism, including passenger transport, reached $1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of revenues recorded in 2019. This demonstrates a strong recovery not only in the tourism sector, but also in the air transport sector.
Regarding the economic contribution of tourism measured in terms of direct gross domestic product (GDP), preliminary estimates point to a figure of $3.3 trillion in 2023, representing 3% of global GDP. This demonstrates that tourism plays a crucial role in the global economy and its recovery contributes to economic recovery after the health crisis.
While the recovery is encouraging, it is important to note that international tourism is still only 88% of pre-pandemic levels. International arrivals were estimated at 1.3 billion in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year, but still below pre-crisis levels.
However, UNWTO experts are optimistic about a full recovery by the end of 2024. They highlight in particular the compressed demand which should gradually be released, the increase in air connectivity and the vigorous recovery of Asian markets. These factors are expected to help restore international tourism to pre-pandemic levels.
The recovery varies by region, with the Middle East leading the way, performing better than before the pandemic, with a 22% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019. Europe, as the most visited region in the world, reached 94% of its pre-crisis levels thanks to intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
Africa also returned to 96% of pre-pandemic visitor levels, while the Americas reached 90%. Asia Pacific still has a way to go, reaching just 65% of pre-crisis levels, but with regions like South Asia already back to 87% of 2019 levels.
Overall, the outlook for international tourism is positive, with estimates predicting a full return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. However, this will depend on the pace of recovery in Asia and the evolution of global economic and geopolitical risks.
In conclusion, the recovery of international tourism post-pandemic is underway, with encouraging figures showing progression towards pre-crisis levels. This represents a beacon of hope for the tourism industry and contributes to global economic recovery.