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In a stunning display of resilience and growth, international tourism is poised to conclude 2023 by regaining nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic stature. This impressive resurgence is highlighted in the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), revealing that an estimated 975 million tourists have embarked on international journeys between January and September 2023, marking a substantial 38% surge from the corresponding period in 2022.

This remarkable comeback is detailed in the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, which sheds light on various facets of the sector’s recovery. Notably, the third quarter of 2023 witnessed a 22% uptick in international tourist arrivals compared to last year, propelled by a robust Northern Hemisphere summer. July shone as the brightest month since the pandemic’s onset, with international tourist arrivals touching 91% of the pre-pandemic figure, inching up to 92%.

The overall recovery for January-September 2023 stands at an impressive 87%, setting the sector on a trajectory to reclaim nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic level by year’s end. Further, international tourism receipts are projected to reach around USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, approximating 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion garnered in 2019.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili encapsulates this upswing, noting, “The latest UNWTO data reveals the near-complete recovery of international tourism from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, with many destinations already surpassing pre-pandemic figures. This revitalization is a lifeline for destinations, businesses, and communities reliant on tourism.”

Leading the charge in regional recovery, the Middle East has outperformed its pre-pandemic levels by 20% in the first nine months of 2023, a feat unmatched by any other region. This success is attributed to various factors, including visa facilitation measures, the emergence of new destinations, investments in tourism projects, and the hosting of significant events.

International tourist arrivals (% change vs. 2019).

Europe, the world’s most frequented tourist region, welcomed 550 million international visitors during this period, representing 94% of its pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was fueled by strong intra-regional and U.S. demand. Africa, too, showcased a robust recovery, regaining 92% of its pre-pandemic visitors, while the Americas reached 88% of their 2019 numbers, buoyed by substantial U.S. interest, particularly in Caribbean destinations.

However, Asia and the Pacific trailed, achieving 62% of pre-pandemic levels due to delayed reopening. The region exhibited varied recovery patterns, with South Asia nearing 95% of its pre-pandemic levels, whereas North-East Asia hovered around 50%.

The World Tourism Barometer provides more granular insights into regions, sub-regions, and individual destinations. This period also witnessed robust outbound travel demand from major source markets, with Germany, the United States, and Italy increasing their outbound travel spending significantly compared to 2019.

The sustained recovery is mirrored in key industry indicators, including air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy rates, as reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and STR in the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker.

Amidst challenges like high inflation and geopolitical tensions, international tourism is confidently marching towards a full recovery of pre-pandemic levels by 2024, heralding a new era of global travel and connectivity.