Tourism industry is bouncing back post pandemic and how!
Global tourism industry insights 2022
8-dec-2022
From January to September 2022, approximately 700 million tourists travelled internationally, more than double (+133%) the number recorded in the same period of 2021. As a result, the sector is on track to reach 65% of its pre-pandemic levels this year. Pent-up demand, improved confidence levels, and the lifting of restrictions in more destinations contributed to strong results. Over 340 million international visitors arrived in the third quarter alone, almost half of all arrivals over the nine-month period.
International tourist Arrivals
BY REGION
World
2021: -70%
JAN - SEP 2022: -37%
(%CHANGE VS. 2019)
Europe continues to lead the rebound of international tourism. From January-September 2022, the region welcomed 477 million international visitors (68% of the world’s total), which is 81% above pre-pandemic levels. The results were more than double those of 2021 (+126%), driven by increased intra-regional demand and travel from the USA. The European Union saw strong arrivals in Q3 with almost 90% of 2019’s levels.
The following destinations saw an increase in international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels: US Virgin Islands (+29% over 2019), Albania (+18%), Saint Maarten (+16%), Ethiopia and Honduras (both +15%), Andorra and Puerto Rico (+14%), Dominican Republic (+7%), El Salvador (+1%), Curaçao (3%), Colombia (+2%), Iceland, Liechtenstein and San Marino (all 0%).
best performing
DESTINATIONS
IN JANUARY - SEPT. 2022
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS
(%CHANGE VS. 2019)
Tourism contributed USD 3.5 trillion to the world economy in 2019, representing 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP), measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP). Tourism direct GDP decreased by more than half in 2020, to 1.8% of the world’s GDP, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a rebound in domestic tourism and higher international travel spending, the TDGDP is expected to increase to 2% of the global GDP in 2021.
TOURISM DIRECT
GROSS DOMESTIC
PRODUCT (TDGDP), % OF GDP
In Q4 and into 2023, several factors may affect the pace of recovery, such as the challenging economic environment and rises in energy prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite growing challenges, tourism exports could reach USD 1.2 to 1.3 trillion in 2022, 60-70% higher than in 2021, or 70-80% of the USD 1.8 trillion recorded in 2019. Over 900 million international tourists are expected to arrive in 2022, 65% more than in 2019.
Source: UNWTO
