International tourist arrivals during 2023 recovered 89% of 2019 levels and 97% in the first quarter of 2024, points out the World Tourism Barometer while projections for the whole of 2024 point to a full recovery of international tourism, with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels. The reasons have been a strong global demand, enhanced air connectivity, and the recovery of China and other major Asian markets. Total export revenues from international tourism, including both receipts and passenger transport, reached an estimated US$ 1.
7 trillion in 2023, about 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism direct GDP recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated US$ 3.3 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP.
Chinese expenditure on travel abroad reached US$196.5 billion in 2023, ahead of the United States, US$ 150bn; Germany, US$ 112bn; UK, US$ 110bn; and France with US$ 49bn. Making the top ten spenders last year are Canada, Italy, India, Russia and Republic of Korea.
India rose to 8th place from 14th in 2019 and Italy from 10th to 7th. France consolidated its position as the world’s most visited destination in 2023 with 100 million international tourist arrivals. Spain was second with 85 million, followed by the United States (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Türkiye, which closed the top five with 55 million international tourists.
Completing the top ten most visited destinations in 2023 are Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Austria..
