International Tourism Nears 60% of Pre-pandemic Levels January – July 2022
The UNWTO’s latest World Tourism Barometer reports international tourism continued to show strong performance – with arrivals nearing 60% – ...
The UNWTO’s latest World Tourism Barometer reports international tourism continued to show strong performance – with arrivals nearing 60% – at 57% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2022.
International tourist arrivals almost tripled (+172%) in January-July 2022 compared to same period of 2021. An estimated 207 million international arrivals were recorded in June and July 2022 combined, over twice the numbers seen in the same two months last year.
Europe and the Middle East showed the fastest recovery in January-July 2022 – Africa (+171%) also recorded strong growth in January-July 2022 compared to 2021, reaching 60% of 2019 levels.
The easing or lifting of travel restrictions in an increasing number of countries also contributed boosting results. (86 countries had no COVID-19-related restrictions as of 19 September 2022).
The challenging economic environment, including high inflation and the spike in oil prices, aggravated by the war in Ukraine, continues to be the main factor weighing on the recovery of tourism, according to experts.
Some 61% of experts now see a potential return of international arrivals to 2019 levels in 2024 or later.
“Tourism continues to recover steadily, yet several challenges remain, from geopolitical to economic. The sector is bringing back hope and opportunity for people everywhere. Now is also the time to rethink tourism, where it is going and how it impacts people and planet.” -UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
