International tourism has continued to recover from t as arrival numbers reached, according to the latest data from UNWTO.
The Middle East, Europe and Africa are leading the global travel sector’s rebound with international tourism reaching 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July.
The level of recovery from the worst crisis in the sector’s history shows that tourism is on track for full recovery, the UNWTO forecast.
Latest data shows that 700 million tourists travelled internationally in the seven months, 43% more than in the same period last year.
July was the busiest month with 145 million international travellers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total.
The UN organisation said: “Tourism demand continues to show remarkable resilience and sustained recovery, even in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges.
These results show international tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, but at a more moderate pace following the peak summer season of June-August.
“These results will be driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued,” the UNTWO barometer said.
And itv cautioned: “Persisting inflation and rising oil prices have translated into higher transport and accommodations costs.
“This could weigh on spending patterns over the remainder of the year, with tourists increasingly seeking value for money, travelling closer to home and making shorter trips.”
Secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO data once again shows how tourism is recovering strongly in every part of the world.
“But as our sector recovers, it also needs to adapt.
“The extreme weather events we have witnessed over recent months as well as the critical challenges of managing increasing tourism flows underline the need to build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient sector and ensure recovery goes hand-in-hand with rethinking of our sector.”