In the first quarter of 2023, international tourism has experienced a strong recovery worldwide, surpassing expectations. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), more than 235 million people traveled worldwide, more than double compared to the same period last year. The Middle East region stood out by surpassing the arrivals of 2019, closely followed by Asia and the Pacific. Southern Mediterranean Europe and North Africa have also reached pre-pandemic levels. It is projected that international arrivals will recover between 80% and 95% of pre-pandemic levels for the entire year.
Despite the strong recovery, the UNWTO warns that there are challenges ahead. Economic conditions, inflation, and rising oil prices are increasing transportation and accommodation costs. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian aggression in Ukraine, also pose risks to tourism recovery. The UNWTO emphasizes the importance of tourism fulfilling its responsibilities in the climate emergency and inclusive development.
Despite the challenges, tourism has demonstrated a remarkable resilience, and it is expected that the peak season in the northern hemisphere will yield even better results than in 2022. The UNWTO has revised upward the data for 2022, highlighting that global tourism revenue exceeded one trillion dollars, with a 50% growth compared to the previous year. Europe led in terms of revenue, followed by Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, while Asia experienced a slower recovery due to prolonged border closures.
