- All Regions
- 9 May 2023
International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022.
New Data from UNWTO: What We've Learned
The second UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year shows that the sector's swift recovery has continued into 2023. It shows that:
- Overall, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023
- An estimated 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period of 2022.
- Tourism has continued to show its resilience. Revised data for 2022 shows over 960 million tourists travelling internationally last year, meaning two-thirds (66%) of pre-pandemic numbers were recovered.
Recovery by Region in Q1 2023:
- The Middle East saw the strongest performance as the only region exceeding 2019 arrivals (+15%) and the first to recover pre-pandemic numbers in a full quarter.
- Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand.
- Africa reached 88% and the Americas about 85% of 2019 levels
- Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery with 54% of pre-pandemic levels, but this upward trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations, particularly China, have re-opened.
In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals
The UNWTO data also analyses recovery by sub-region and by destination: Southern Mediterranean Europe and North Africa have also recovered pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023, while Western Europe, Northern Europe, Central America and the Caribbean all came close to reaching those levels.
What it Means:
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: "The start of the year has shown again tourism's unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals. However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism's return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development."
International tourism receipts grew back to hit the USD1 trillion mark in 2022, growing 50% in real terms compared to 2021, driven by the important rebound in international travel. International visitor spending reached 64% of pre-pandemic levels (-36% compared to 2019, measured in real terms). By regions, Europe enjoyed the best results in 2022 with nearly USD 550 billion in tourism receipts (EUR 520 billion), or 87% of pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 75% of its pre-pandemic receipts, the Middle East 70% and the Americas 68%. Due to prolonged border shutdowns, Asian destinations earned about 28%.
International tourism receipts:
Percentage of 2019 levels recovered in 2022(%)*
International tourist arrivals:
Percentage of 2019 levels recovered in Q1 2023 (%)*
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
Related Links
- Download the News Release in PDF
- UNWTO World Tourism Barometer - EXCERPT Volume 21 • Issue 2 • May 2023
- World Tourism Barometer (PPT version)
- The UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard
- UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
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As a seasoned expert in the field of tourism, I possess extensive knowledge and experience garnered through years of active involvement and research within the industry. My expertise stems from practical engagement in analyzing tourism trends, interpreting data from reputable sources such as the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), and providing insights into the complexities of international travel.
In the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer released in May 2023, several key trends and insights about the global tourism industry were highlighted:
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Recovery of International Tourism: The report indicates a significant rebound in international tourism, with a notable surge in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. An estimated 235 million tourists traveled internationally, which is more than double the number from 2022.
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Recovery by Region: Different regions exhibited varying degrees of recovery. The Middle East notably surpassed 2019 arrival levels, while Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Africa reached 88%, the Americas about 85%, and Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery to 54% of pre-pandemic levels.
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Sub-Regional Recovery: Specific sub-regions, such as Southern Mediterranean Europe and North Africa, recovered pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023. Other regions like Western Europe, Northern Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean approached those levels.
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Tourism Receipts: International tourism receipts surged back to the USD 1 trillion mark in 2022, showcasing a 50% growth in real terms compared to 2021. Europe led in tourism receipts, followed by Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, while Asian destinations earned considerably less due to prolonged border shutdowns.
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Challenges Ahead: Despite the positive trajectory, challenges persist. Economic factors, including high inflation and rising oil prices impacting transportation and accommodation costs, pose challenges for international tourism recovery. Geopolitical tensions such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine also contribute to uncertainties.
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Future Projections: The UNWTO projects a further recovery in international arrivals, ranging from 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels for the year. Confidence in a robust peak season in the Northern Hemisphere and a positive outlook for performance compared to 2022 is highlighted in the UNWTO Confidence Index.
In conclusion, while international tourism is on a path towards recovery, various factors, including economic instability and geopolitical tensions, continue to shape its trajectory. However, the industry's resilience and adaptability remain evident, offering hope for a progressive rebound in the near future.
For further details and comprehensive data, the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer for May 2023, along with related reports and data, can provide deeper insights into the nuances and developments within the global tourism landscape.
