Tourism Recovery Accelerates Globally as Countries Ease Travel Restrictions

Strategic Insights -

As countries around the world ease restrictions on travel, the tourism industry is witnessing a remarkable recovery, with international arrivals reaching 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July of this year. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has reported that 197 countries are currently without any Covid-19 travel restrictions, representing 89% of all countries in the world. The Middle East, GCC countries in particular, have reported the best results, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels, making it the only region to exceed 2019 levels so far.

Key Takeaways:

  • International tourist arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July of this year, according to UNWTO data.
  • 197 countries are currently without any Covid-19 travel restrictions, representing 89% of all countries in the world.
  • The Middle East, GCC countries in particular, have reported a 20% increase in arrivals above pre-pandemic levels, making it the only region to exceed 2019 levels so far.
  • Europe reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand and travel from the US.
  • Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors, and the Americas 87%, according to available data.
  • Asia and the Pacific region accelerated recovery to 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels after opening many destinations and source markets at the end of 2022 and earlier this year.
  • Industry experts predict a remarkable recovery in tourism and global travel in 2023, with UNWTO figures indicating international tourism will reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the year-end.
  • Tourism recovery faces challenges due to geo-political issues and economic concerns, including persisting inflation and rising oil prices.
  • Approval of restriction-free policies is linked to increased tourist spending, with countries opting for such policies experiencing a surge in tourism revenue.

Statistics:

  • 700mn tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022.
  • 145mn international travellers recorded in July 2023, about 20% of the seven-month total.
  • All regions of the world enjoyed strong rates of tourism recovery over the first seven months of this year, driven by demand for international travel from several large source markets.
  • The Middle East, GCC countries in particular, reported the best results in January-July this year, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels.

Sources:

  • Gulf Times
  • United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)