In 2024, international tourism achieved pre-pandemic levels, showing significant recovery. The Middle East recorded the strongest growth with a 22% increase in visitor numbers. Europe, the world's most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, while Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitor numbers. This recovery has had a substantial impact on economies, employment, and growth.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the need for tourism to advance in sustainability and inclusiveness. Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the tourism sector has rebounded, boosting economic contributions in many countries and creating millions of jobs. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that the global economic contribution of the travel and tourism sector will reach $11.1 trillion in 2024. This also indicates a growth in job opportunities within the sector. Furthermore, international tourism receipts reached $1.4 trillion in 2023, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024.
