International tourist arrivals reach 96% of pre-pandemic levels
International tourist arrivals have rebounded to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024.According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of the year, about 11% more than in 2023.
This figure is only 4% below the levels seen in 2019, indicating a robust recovery for the tourism sector.
“International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history. The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
Pololikashvili said the recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies.
Global uptick
With increased air connectivity and visa facilitation supporting the recovery in international travel, the data shows all world regions have recorded a strong year so far. Africa welcomed 7% more tourists than in the same months of 2019.
Data on international tourism expenditure reveals strong demand for outbound travel from January to July , especially from large source markets such as the United States (32%), Germany (38%), and the United Kingdom (40% through March), compared to the same period of 2019. Strong outbound spending was also reported by Australia (34%), Canada (28%), and Italy (26%), all through June 2024.
Positive outlook
Meanwhile, the UN Tourism Confidence Index indicates positive expectations for the latter part of 2024, although slightly below the prospects for the May to August period. Experts pointed to inflation in travel and tourism, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as the main challenge the tourism sector is currently facing, as well as the global economic situation, staff shortages and extreme weather events.
Namibia recorded more than 1.05 million foreign arrivals in 2023, a massive increase of 95.4% from the 593 601 in the previous year.
The number of tourists who visited Namibia increased to 863 872 in 2023, up 87.4% from the previous year’s 461 027.