After three years of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and rising inflation, the travel industry is poised to make a comeback in 2023. According to a recent analysis by MoneyTransfers.com, international trips are expected to jump up by 50%, making 2023 the ‘year of the holiday’. However, despite this optimistic outlook, the industry won’t fully recover before 2025.
The Asian travel industry suffered the most during the pandemic due to tight border controls and travel restrictions, with tourism revenue in the Asia-Pacific region dropping by almost 60% in 2020. But the outlook for 2023 is different, with experts predicting that the travel industry’s contribution to the region’s overall economy will grow by over 70%. Between 2022 and 2032, almost two-thirds of jobs created in the industry will be in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, the recovery in other parts of the world may be slower. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a significant factor in delaying the industry’s recovery in Europe, particularly Eastern Europe, where tourism numbers won’t recover before 2025. Meanwhile, tourism in Africa is on the rise, but its contribution to the continent’s GDP is only expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
Despite these challenges, the travel industry is expected to grow by around 30% in 2023. The return of Asia-Pacific tourists to the market is a significant driver behind this growth, with some experts suggesting that the industry’s growth could outstrip that of the world’s combined GDP by 2.7%.
Based on global cross-border trips in recent years, MoneyTransfers.com predicts that 2025 maybe when we can declare a return to pre-Covid numbers, with cross-border trips forecasted to reach 1.46 billion in two years from now.
While the industry’s recovery may not be as swift as we would hope, the growth forecast for 2023 is a beacon of hope for travellers and the travel industry. As the world slowly opens up, we must remain optimistic about the future of travel. It’s essential that governments and industry leaders work together to create safe and sustainable travel policies, ensuring that travel can continue to bring joy and economic growth to the world.
In conclusion, we must remain cautious but hopeful. With continued growth forecasted for the travel industry in 2023, it’s clear that the year will be one of recovery and hope for travellers worldwide. As we move towards a post-pandemic world, let us embrace the opportunity to explore new places and cultures, all while remaining mindful of the challenges that lie ahead.
Written by: William Trevan