Wednesday, May 22, 2024 The latest World Economic Forum report on travel and tourism, unveiled yesterday, predicts that international tourist arrivals and the sector’s contribution to global GDP will rebound to pre-COVID levels this year. This resurgence is fueled by the removal of pandemic-related travel bans and a robust backlog of travel demand. Leading the 2024 recovery are the United States, Spain, Japan, France, and Australia.
The Middle East stands out with a 20% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2019, the highest globally. Conversely, Europe, Africa, and the Americas are experiencing a solid recovery, with tourist numbers nearing 90% of their pre-pandemic figures in 2023. The findings are part of the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), a biennial analysis produced in partnership with the University of Surrey.
The report evaluates the travel and tourism environments of 119 nations across various indicators and policies. Francisco Betti, Head of the Global Industries team at the World Economic Forum, remarked, “This year signifies a pivotal moment for the travel and tourism industry, which is poised to drive significant economic and social benefits.” He emphasized that the TTDI provides insights that will help leaders understand and navigate the complexities of the sector and harness its potential sustainably.
Following the pandemic, the global tourism industry is on track to not only recover but exceed pre-crisis levels. This is mainly due to a.
