International tourism reaches 97% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels

Foreign tourists and local children at Ta Ma stream, Binh Dinh - Photo: LAM THIEN

On May 21, the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) said that the number of international tourists in the first quarter of 2024 increased to 97% of the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level. This figure is expected to exceed the 2019 level for the rest of this year.

According to the UN Tourism report, 285 million tourists made international trips from January to March this year, up about 20% compared to the same period in 2023. UN Tourism forecasts that international tourism will either fully recover or grow by 2% compared to 2019 levels for the rest of the year.

International arrivals to the Asia and Pacific region increased significantly, from 65% of 2019 levels in the first quarter of 2023 to 82% in the first three months of this year.

The Middle East also saw a sharp increase, with international tourist arrivals 36% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Europe also welcomed 120 million international tourists, up 1% compared to 2019.

Africa also recorded a 5% year-on-year increase while international tourist arrivals to the Americas reached 99% of 2019 levels.

Highly appreciating the results achieved, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the positive impact of tourism on local economies and the livelihoods of millions of people.

He also said there was a need to promote sustainability when addressing the externalities and impacts of tourism on resources and communities.

Total international tourism receipts last year reached $1.7 trillion, equivalent to 96% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in real terms.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/du-lich-quoc-te-dat-97-muc-truoc-dai-dich-covid-19-2024052214441814.htm