In 2024, most destinations surpassed pre-pandemic tourist arrivals, and visitor spending also increased significantly
Jan 21, 2025
According to UN Tourism’s latest *World Tourism Barometer*, an estimated 1.4 billion international tourists will travel in 2024, signaling a near-complete recovery (99%) of pre-pandemic levels. This represents an increase of 11% over 2023, with 140 million more tourist arrivals, driven by robust post-pandemic demand, strong performance from key source markets, and continued recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Key takeaways
- Middle East: The region continues to lead the recovery with 95 million arrivals, up 32% from pre-pandemic levels and up 1% from 2023;
- Africa: The continent welcomed 74 million arrivals, 7% more than in 2019 and 12% more than in 2023;
- Europe: As the largest global destination, Europe recorded 747 million international arrivals in 2024, 1% more than in 2019 and 5% more than in 2023. Intra-regional demand remained strong, although Central and Eastern Europe lagged due to the lingering effects of Russian aggression in Ukraine;
- Americas: With 213 million arrivals, the Americas recovered 97% of pre-pandemic numbers, falling 3% short of 2019 but growing 7% over 2023. The Caribbean and Central America surpassed pre-pandemic levels;
- Asia and the Pacific: The region experienced a rapid recovery with 316 million arrivals, reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels (up from 66% in 2023). International arrivals increased by 33%, or 78 million more than in 2023.
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