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.
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Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Washington ordering a significant military build-up in the region and multiple countries evacuating diplomatic staff amid fears of further instability.
A powerful winter storm has struck the north-east United States, placing nearly 60 million people under weather warnings. States of emergency have been declared across multiple states and forcing a travel ban in New York City as heavy snow, fierce winds and coastal flooding batter the region.
Heavy snow continued to batter northern and western Japan on Saturday (31 January) leaving cities buried under record levels of snowfall and prompting warnings from authorities. Aomori city in northern Japan recorded 167 centimetres of snow by Friday - the highest January total since 1945.
The Aerospace Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry has declared 2026 the Year of Visiting Baikonur, marking a strategic shift in how the famous cosmodrome is presented internationally.
The Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict is intensifying, with fresh strikes near Tehran, European calls for restraint, and Iran threatening to target U.S. firms in the region, raising fears of a broader escalation across the Middle East.
There are fears of an oil spill after a drone strike hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai on Tuesday, while U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran reportedly killed at least two people. A loud explosion was heard in Beirut in southern Lebanon early Wednesday, as oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel.
China's three largest state-owned airlines have issued warnings regarding their financial outlook for the current year, acknowledging that the eruption of war involving Iran has driven jet fuel prices to unsustainable highs.
At least 70 people have been killed and more than 30 wounded in a gang attack in Haiti’s Artibonite region, according to two rights organisations, as thousands of residents fled the violence in the towns of Jean Denis and Pont Sondé.
Australia’s move to ban social media access for children under 16 has intensified a global debate, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes from April because of looming jet fuel shortages, Vietnam's aviation authority said.
The pilot and co-pilot of an Air Canada Express regional jet were killed after it collided with a fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia airport late on Sunday, in an incident that closed the airport, authorities and U.S. media said.
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The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).
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