The second UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year shows that the sector’s swift recovery has continued into 2023.
Approximately 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double in the same period in 2022. Thus, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023.
The Middle East witnessed strongest recovery as it was the only region outnumbering 2019 arrivals (+15%) and the first to recover pre-pandemic numbers.
Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels which was driven by strong intra-regional demand.
The Americas reached about 85% and Africa reached 88% of 2019 levels.
Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery with 54% of pre-pandemic levels, but this rising trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations have re-opened, especially China.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, “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.
