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.
Dubai is set to revolutionize wellness with Therme Dubai, a 500,000-square-foot retreat in Zabeel Park, opening in 2028. Combining leisure, healthcare, and entertainment, this futuristic resort will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
The Iranian city of Isfahan is preparing to bring together tourism experts from across the world for a landmark event "100 Tour Operators in Half of the World" taking place from 19 to 23 February.
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan take a look at simplifying border crossing procedures for residents to boost travel and tourism between two countries.
Uzbekistan, with its rich and diverse cultural and natural heritage, strives to turn itself into a one of major tourist destinations. The government has hired an international consultant to tailor a roadmap to make Uzbekistan more attractive for tourists
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled the “critical” gap between travellers’ desire for sustainable options and their actual behaviour.
The Kremlin stated that Russia and the U.S. are working on ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Trump expressing frustration with Putin. Trump threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no ceasefire is reached.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing 2056 people and leaving 3,900 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
Greenland has recorded a significant surge in the number of tourists visiting the country after latest data showed a 14% increase in the number of passengers on international flights arriving in the country alongside a rise in hotel bookings.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York returned to Mumbai following a bomb threat on Monday morning.
Berlin’s airport has cancelled all flights for Monday in anticipation of a labour union strike, which is expected to affect over half a million travellers and disrupt thousands of flights at 11 airports across Germany.
China’s winter tourism continues to grow rapidly, with Heilongjiang leading the way by welcoming over 130 million visitors this season.
Airport workers' strikes in Greece and Germany on February 27 and February 28 push airlines to cancel and modify thousands of flights. Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, has announced that some flights to be cancelled due to massive strikes.
The Kremlin stated that Russia and the U.S. are working on ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Trump expressing frustration with Putin. Trump threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if no ceasefire is reached.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine worth $1.6 billion to help Kyiv strengthen its position in peace talks. The package includes new equipment and financial donations for Ukraine's defense industry, with Sweden's total support since 2022 reaching 80 billion crowns.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
