Four years ago in 2020, due to the global pandemic Covid-19, the pace of global tourism and travel had come to a halt across the world, which had a deep impact on the economies of many countries dependent on tourism. The UN Tourism Agency on Wednesday released its new analysis ‘Tourism Barometer’ has been released, according to which improvement is being recorded in the tourism sector in the period January-September 2024.
In most regions of the world, tourism has exceeded the number of tourists in 2019. According to the report, despite the current economic, geopolitical and climate change related challenges, the tourism sector is likely to continue to improve. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation, said the figures for growth in tourist spending are fantastic news for economies around the world. Spending by tourists is growing at a faster rate than the total number of tourists. has been recorded, which will have a direct impact on millions of jobs, small businesses, and will contribute to tax revenues and balance of payments in many countries. The first nine years of 2024 There has been an increase in international tourist arrivals in months, a major reason for which is the surge in demand after the Covid-19 pandemic in Europe. At the same time, the situation in tourist destinations in Asia and the Pacific region is also improving. International travel has been supported by increased connectivity for air travel and ease in the visa process. In the first 9 months of this year, the Middle East region An increase of 29 percent was recorded compared to 2019 levels, while the increase in Europe and Africa was 1 percent and 6 percent respectively. Tourism in the United States is currently very close to returning to pre-pandemic levels and has reached 97 percent. In Asia and the Pacific, tourism has reached only 85 percent of 2019 levels. For 2023, only 66 percent recovery was achieved as compared to the pre-pandemic level. The number of tourists in 60 out of 111 centers has reached above the level of 2019. These include Qatar (+141%), Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Tanzania (+43%) and both Colombia and Andorra (+36%). Within months, tourist spending in 35 out of 43 countries has also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with the best performer being Serbia (+99%) where Compared to 2019, spending by tourists has almost doubled. Pakistan (+64%), Romania (+61%), Japan (59%), Portugal (+51%). Countries that earn the most from tourism, such as Japan, Turkey and France also recorded strong growth. And the situation is also emerging in Spain, Italy, Britain and Canada. Challenges remain. The UN agency has warned that despite the rapid improvement in the tourism sector, there are still many economic, geopolitical and climate related Challenges exist, which may impact tourism activities. Due to rising inflation in travel and tourism, this sector is being affected. Transport and accommodation fares have increased and oil prices have soared. In many parts of the world, tourist confidence has been affected by violent conflict and rising tensions, as well as by extreme weather events and staff shortages. There is a possibility of impact on tourism activities. Despite these challenges, the UN Tourism Agency has expressed hope that the number of international tourists this year can reach the level of 2019 before the pandemic.