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read moreInternational tourist arrivals rose by 11% in 2024, with 1.4 billion people traveling internationally, according to the World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism (the former United Nations World Tourism Organization).
Showing a near total recovery from the effects of the pandemic, a majority of destinations welcomed more international tourists in 2024 than they did before the pandemic, while visitor spending also continued to grow strongly.
The increase in tourist arrivals in 2024 was driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Asia and the Pacific continued to experience a rapid recovery in 2024, though arrival numbers (316 million) were still 87% of pre-pandemic levels, an improvement from 66% at the end of 2023. International arrivals grew 33%% in 2024, an increase of 78 million from 2023.
Europe, the world’s largest destination region, saw 747 million international arrivals in 2024 (+1% above 2019) supported by strong intraregional demand. All European subregions surpassed pre-pandemic levels, except for Central and Eastern Europe where many destinations are still suffering from the lingering effects of the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
International tourist arrivals are expected to grow 3% to 5% in 2025 compared to 2024, assuming a continued recovery of Asia and the Pacific and solid growth in most other regions.
Commenting on the findings, UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili stated “in 2024, global tourism completed its recovery from the pandemic and, in many places, tourist arrivals and specially earnings are already higher than in 2019.
“Growth is expected to continue throughout 2025, driven by strong demand contributing to the socio-economic development of both mature and emerging destinations. This recalls our immense responsibility as a sector to accelerate transformation, placing people and planet at the centre of the development of tourism."
Image credit: Best Western.
15th January 2025 - Thailand Tourism Forum unveils ‘Joy of Missing Out’ concept
8th January 2025 - Tourism technology transformation defined at FITUR 2025
31st December 2024 - Indonesian Ministry of Tourism highlights key achievements from 2024 co-branding partnership
30th December 2024 - Religious tourism market set for significant expansion
11th December 2024 - New research shows that tourism is responsible for 9% of global carbon emissions
7th December 2024 - 2024 sees global tourism approach full recovery
4th December 2024 - UN Tourism launches Global AI Challenge
25th November 2024 - Global Sustainable Tourism Council publishes new Attractions Criteria
22nd November 2024 - WTTC reveals surge in Tourism industry’s commitment to Net Zero
9th October 2024 - Global tourism industry economic contribution grows faster than its environmental impact
5th October 2024 - Malaysia maintains top ranking as destination for Muslim travellers
23rd September 2024 - UN Tourism calls for climate action and community empowerment
12th September 2024 - UN Tourism spotlights responsible, nature-positive growth for the industry
2nd March 2024 - UN Tourism and WTTC laud Saudi Arabia for welcoming over 100 million tourists
5th October 2023 - 10th Global Tourism Economy Forum injects new ideas towards Sustainable Tourism
27th September 2023 - Global tourism grows to 84% of pre-pandemic levels
20th July 2023 - WTTC reiterate the importance of women’s engagement in global tourism
22nd June 2023 - UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council Sign Historic MOU
20th June 2023 - Asia-Pacific nations back UNWTO tourism safety initiative
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