UK arrests dozens supporting banned Palestine Action
British police arrested dozens more people on Saturday under anti-terrorism laws for demonstrating in support of Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian g...
International tourism has made a remarkable recovery, reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, according to the latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This resurgence has been fueled by strong demand in Europe and the reopening of key markets in Asia and the Pacific.
The UNWTO's World Tourism Barometer reports that approximately 790 million tourists traveled internationally from January to July 2024, representing an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and only 4% below 2019 levels. Despite global economic and geopolitical challenges, these results align with UNWTO's forecast of a full recovery in international arrivals by the end of the year.
All regions across the globe have shown significant growth, supported by increased air connectivity and improved visa facilitation measures. The Middle East led the way, with international arrivals rising 26% above 2019 levels, making it the fastest-growing region. Africa also saw a 7% increase in tourists compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Europe and the Americas showed strong recovery, reaching 99% and 97% of their pre-pandemic arrivals, respectively, during the January to July period. Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific, which had been slower to reopen, recorded 82% of pre-pandemic tourist numbers, with steady growth reaching 86% in July.
Out of 120 global destinations, 67 had fully recovered their 2019 arrival numbers by mid-2024. Among the standout performers were Qatar, which saw a 147% increase in arrivals compared to 2019, and Albania, with a 93% rise. Other notable growth was recorded in El Salvador (+81%), Saudi Arabia (+73%), the Republic of Moldova (+50% through June), and Tanzania (+49% through June).
As international tourism continues to recover, the sector remains a vital driver of global economic growth, offering hope for a return to full strength in the months ahead.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Air Canada is set to resume its flight services on 20 August, after a nearly four-day strike by its unionized flight attendants left more than 500,000 passengers stranded.
Türkiye’s low-cost carrier AJet, a branch of Turkish Airlines, will launch its first-ever direct flights from Ankara to Barcelona and Madrid this October.
China can visit South Korea without a visa from the end of September until June next year. Seoul made the announcement for temporary visa-free entry to tourist groups on Wednesday (6 August).
Japan will end tax-free shopping for foreign visitors in November 2026 and before that, it will introduce dual pricing, visa pre-approval, and visitor caps at major attractions this year, according to official announcements and media reports.
China has significantly relaxed its entry restrictions, with establishing unilateral visa-free access and mutual visa exemption arrangements with 75 countries as part of its efforts to streamline visa processes and encourage global engagement.
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