A total of 67 out of 120 destinations around the world recovered to pre-pandemic arrival numbers in the first half of 2024, resulting in international tourism reaching 96% of 2019 levels overall in the seven months through July 2024,

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11% more than in 2023 and only 4% less than in 2019.

Data show a strong start to the year, driven by strong demand in Europe and the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific.

Results are in line with UN Tourism’s projection of a full recovery in international arrivals in 2024 despite ongoing economic and geopolitical risks.

“International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history,” UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions.

“This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies,” he added.

Data on international tourism expenditure reveals strong demand for outbound travel in January-July 2024, especially from large source markets such as the United States (+32%), Germany (+38%), and the United Kingdom (+40% through March), compared to the same period of 2019. Strong outbound spending was by Canadians (+28%).

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