World / 36 weeks ago

Global tourism rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 1.4 billion travellers

International tourism has remarkably recovered four years after the COVID-19 pandemic upended global travel. In 2024, international arrivals reached 99% of 2019 levels, marking an 11% increase from 2023, with over 1.4 billion travelers crossing borders. This resurgence underscores the resilience of the travel industry and the growing demand for international exploration. UN Tourism reveals that the Middle East has emerged as the fastest-growing tourism region, with international arrivals 32% above pre-pandemic levels. This surge is attributed to aggressive tourism development, major global events, and expanded air connectivity. Africa also saw strong growth, surpassing 2019 figures by 7%, while Europe achieved a full recovery, reporting a 1% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.