900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022
International tourism recovered 63% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022, with Europe and the Middle East in the lead. Over 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022, double those in 2021 though still 37% fewer than in 2019
International tourism saw stronger than expected results in 2022, backed by large pent-up demand and the lifting or relaxation of travel restrictions in a large number of countries.
International tourism recovered 63% of pre-pandemic levels, in line with UNWTO’s scenarios published in May 2022.
Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 585 million arrivals in 2022 to reach nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels (-21% over 2019). The Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase across regions in 2022 with arrivals climbing to 83% of pre-pandemic numbers (-17% versus 2019).
Africa and the Americas both recovered about 65% of its pre-pandemic visitors, while Asia and the Pacific reached only 23%, due to stronger pandemic-related restrictions.
By subregions, Western Europe (87%) and the Caribbean (84%) came closest to their pre-pandemic levels.
The year 2022 saw a strong rebound in tourism spending, resulting in the recovery of pre-pandemic levels in income across many destinations.
Looking ahead, international tourism is set to consolidate its recovery in 2023, backed by pent-up demand, particularly from Asia and the Pacific as destinations and markets open up.
The UNWTO Panel of Experts survey indicates that 72% of respondents expect better performance in 2023. However, most experts (65%) also believe international tourism will not return to 2019 levels until 2024 or later.
Based on UNWTO’s scenarios for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year, with Europe and the Middle East expected to reach those levels. However, important risks remain ahead, especially economic and geopolitical.
Tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel close to home in response to the challenging economic environment. – UNWTO
