TEHRAN - Global tourism has made a remarkable comeback, reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the UN Tourism.

Over 285 million tourists traveled internationally between January and March, marking a significant 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

This surge highlights the near-complete recovery of the sector from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN body reported.

In 2023, international tourist arrivals had already rebounded to 89% of 2019 levels, with tourism export revenues hitting 96% of pre-pandemic figures. Direct tourism GDP matched 2019 levels, setting the stage for further growth in 2024. UNWTO projects that international tourism will fully recover this year, with arrivals expected to surpass 2019 levels by 2%.

The first quarter of 2024 saw varying degrees of recovery across different regions. The Middle East led the way with international arrivals soaring 36% above pre-pandemic levels, continuing its exceptional performance from 2023. Europe, the world’s largest tourist destination, recorded a 1% increase over Q1 2019, welcoming 120 million international tourists, driven by strong intra-regional demand.

Africa also showed robust growth, with a 5% increase in arrivals compared to Q1 2019 and a 13% rise from Q1 2023. The Americas nearly matched pre-pandemic numbers, reaching 99% of 2019 levels. Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific, still on the path to full recovery, saw arrivals reach 82% of pre-pandemic levels, up from 65% in 2023.

In a recent statement, the UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili hailed the sector’s recovery as beneficial for global economies and millions of livelihoods. However, he emphasized the need for sustainable tourism policies and effective destination management to mitigate the sector’s impact on resources and communities.

Looking ahead, international tourism is expected to achieve full recovery in 2024, driven by strong demand, improved air connectivity, and the ongoing recovery of key Asian markets, including China. The UN Tourism’s latest Tourism Confidence Index reflects a positive outlook for the upcoming summer season, scoring 130 out of 200. About 62% of tourism experts surveyed expressed optimistic expectations for May-August 2024, with only 31% predicting performance similar to 2023.

The data underscores a resilient and rapidly recovering global tourism industry, poised to surpass its pre-pandemic success and contribute significantly to economic stability and growth worldwide.

AM