UNWTO Report Reveals Strong Recovery of Global Tourism in 2023

June 23.According to the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, the global tourism sector continues to witness a rapid recovery in 2023. The report provides valuable insights, highlighting the following key findings:



1. Swift Recovery in International Arrivals:

   - In the first quarter of 2023, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

   - Approximately 235 million tourists traveled internationally during this period, more than double the figure recorded in the same period of 2022.

   - Revised data for 2022 indicates that over 960 million tourists traveled internationally, representing a recovery of two-thirds (66%) of pre-pandemic numbers.


2. Recovery by Region in Q1 2023:

   - The Middle East exhibited the strongest performance, surpassing 2019 arrivals by 15% and becoming the first region to fully recover pre-pandemic numbers in a single quarter.

   - Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by robust demand within the region.

   - Africa achieved 88% of 2019 levels, while the Americas reached approximately 85%.

   - Asia and the Pacific demonstrated an accelerated recovery, reaching 54% of pre-pandemic levels, with expectations of further acceleration now that most destinations, notably China, have reopened.


3. Sub-Region and Destination Recovery:

   - Southern Mediterranean Europe and North Africa both recovered pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023.

   - Western Europe, Northern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean came close to reaching pre-pandemic levels.


UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the resilience of the tourism sector and the need to remain vigilant in the face of challenges. While tourism has shown an impressive rebound in many regions, concerns such as geopolitical instability, labor shortages, and the potential impact of rising living costs on tourism must be addressed. Additionally, it is crucial for the tourism industry to fulfill its responsibilities in combating the climate emergency and fostering inclusive development.


In terms of financial indicators, international tourism receipts bounced back, surpassing USD 1 trillion in 2022. This represents a 50% real growth compared to 2021, primarily driven by the resumption of international travel. International visitor spending reached 64% of pre-pandemic levels, a decline of 36% compared to 2019 (measured in real terms). Regionally, Europe achieved the most significant recovery, with tourism receipts reaching nearly USD 550 billion (EUR 520 billion), or 87% of pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 75% of its pre-pandemic receipts, followed by the Middle East at 70% and the Americas at 68%. However, Asian destinations faced more prolonged challenges due to extended border closures, resulting in a recovery rate of around 28%.

As the global tourism industry continues its remarkable resurgence, stakeholders must remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving landscape. While the numbers are promising, it is essential to prioritize sustainability, inclusive growth, and mitigating the impact of ongoing global challenges to ensure the long-term resilience and success of the tourism sector.

International tourism receipts:
Percentage of 2019 levels recovered in 2022(%)*

Flourish logoA Flourish chart

International tourist arrivals:
Percentage of 2019 levels recovered in Q1 2023 (%)*

Flourish logoA Flourish chart

Looking Ahead: What's in Store?

The Q1 2023 results are in line with UNWTO's forward-looking scenarios for the year which project international arrivals to recover 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels. UNWTO's Panel of Experts expressed their confidence in a strong peak season (May-August) in the Northern Hemisphere, reflected in the latest UNWTO Confidence Index which indicates performance for the period is on track to be even better than 2022.

However, tourism's recovery also faces some challenges.  According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts, the economic situation remains the main factor weighing on the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023, with high inflation and rising oil prices translating into higher transport and accommodations costs.  As a result, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine and other mounting geopolitical tensions, also continue to represent downside risks.

International Tourist Arrivals, World and Regions


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