International Tourism Back To Pre-pandemic Levels

An estimated 1,4 billion tourists travelled internationally in 2024, indicating a virtual recovery 99 of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism.

This represents an increase of 11 over 2023, or 140 million more international tourist arrivals. The results were driven by strong post-pandemic demand, robust performance from large source markets, and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.

Growth is expected to continue throughout 2025, driven by strong demand contributing to the socio-economic development of both mature and emerging destinations.

Africawelcomed 74 million visitors in 2024, 7 more than in 2019 and 12 more than in 2023.

International tourism receipts saw robust growth in 2024 after already almost reaching pre-pandemic levels in 2023 in real terms adjusting for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.