International Tourist Arrivals Reach 96% of Pre-Pandemic Levels by July 2024

Madrid, Spain, 19 September 2024 – International tourism has made a strong recovery, reaching 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024. This resurgence has been driven by high demand in Europe and the reopening of key markets in Asia and the Pacific.

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), around 790 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2024. This represents an 11% increase over 2023 and only 4% below the figures from 2019. The year began with a strong boost in travel, although growth slowed slightly in the second quarter. These results support the UNWTO’s projection of a full recovery in international tourism by the end of 2024, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented: “International tourism is on track to fully recover from the most significant crisis in the sector’s history. The current rebound, despite global economic and political uncertainty, highlights the strength of demand for international travel. It also reflects the effectiveness of expanding air connections and relaxing visa regulations. This recovery, however, emphasises the increasing need for tourism planning and management to ensure that the sector’s substantial socio-economic benefits are balanced with inclusive and sustainable policies.”

Tourism’s Impact on Climate Change

While the revival of global tourism is welcome news for many economies, it raises important concerns about the industry’s environmental impact, particularly regarding climate change. Tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, with a significant portion of this coming from air travel, which alone accounts for around 40% of the industry’s emissions.

In 2019, before the pandemic, the tourism sector contributed roughly 1.3 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions. With tourist numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels, emissions for 2024 are expected to mirror those figures, putting renewed pressure on the industry to address its environmental footprint. The rapid return of international travel highlights the pressing need for the tourism sector to adopt more sustainable practices and implement strategies that minimise its impact on the planet.

Sustainable travel options, carbon-neutral accommodations, and waste reduction are gaining traction, but the most significant challenge remains reducing emissions from air travel. Innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels and more efficient aircraft designs are critical to decarbonising the aviation industry, yet these solutions are still in development and will take time to implement on a large scale.

How Can Regenerative Tourism Help?

As the tourism sector looks to rebound fully, it is imperative to explore alternatives that go beyond sustainability. Regenerative tourism offers a potential solution, aiming not only to reduce harm but to leave destinations in a better state than they were before. This approach involves restoring ecosystems, supporting local communities, and encouraging visitors to engage in conservation efforts.

By focusing on regenerative practices, the tourism industry can help offset its environmental impacts and contribute positively to the regions it serves. Could this be the path forward to ensure that tourism benefits both people and the planet? It’s a question that requires immediate attention as the world seeks to balance economic recovery with environmental responsibility.

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