Page last updated: 11 October 2024
The global tourism industry is expected to continue its growth and post-pandemic recovery in 2024. This overview highlights the projected trends, including the number of international tourist arrivals, tourism’s contributions to global GDP, and anticipated growth rates in tourism volume and revenue.
Global Tourism Trends for 2024
- Travel & Tourism set to break all records in 2024 with the contribution of tourism to the global GDP is expected to reach $11.1 trillion.1
- International tourism spending is projected to nearly match the 2019 high, reaching approximately $1.89 trillion. While spending by domestic travellers is anticipated to surpass all previous records, reaching $5.4 trillion.
- International tourist numbers are expected to reach 1.53 billion worldwide, marking a 2% increase from 2019.2
- International tourist arrivals reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels during January and July 2024.
Current Tourism Statistics
Over 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023.3
However, this figure remains 4% lower than in 2019, when around 850 million international tourists were recorded during the same period.
Regional Performance:
- The Middle East saw the highest growth, with international arrivals 26% above 2019 levels.
- Africa also showed an increase, welcoming 7% more tourists than during the same period in 2019.
- Europe and the Americas were close to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with international arrivals at 99% and 97% of 2019 figures, respectively.
- Asia and the Pacific saw a slower recovery, reaching 82% of 2019 levels.
How Did Global Tourism Perform in Early 2024?
In the first quarter of 2024, international tourism bounced back to 97% of 2019 levels.4 Further growth is expected throughout the remainder of the year.
This initial growth was driven by continued high demand, the expanding accessibility of Asian markets, improved air connections, and easier visa processes.
- From January to March 2024, approximately 285 million people travelled internationally, which is approximately 20% higher compared to the same period in 2023.
- The Middle East saw a 36% increase in international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels, whereas Europe surpassed its previous figures for the first time since the pandemic began.
- Africa experienced a 5% rise in arrivals over the first quarter of 2019, while the Americas nearly reached pre-pandemic levels at 99%.
- Asia and the Pacific region recovered to 82% of pre-pandemic arrival levels in the first quarter of 2024.
What Can We Expect for Global Tourism in 2024?
The global tourism industry is steadily growing, and 2024 is expected to display an even more significant increase, setting it apart from previous years.
Will International Tourist Arrivals Increase in 2024?
In 2024, the projected number of International tourist arrivals will reach 1.53 billion, with a slight 2% growth above 2019 levels.
- This growth indicates a substantial year-to-year growth of over 17.23% in tourist arrivals.
Travel Resources by Country
How Will Global Tourism Revenue Shape Up in 2024?
Global tourism revenue is expected to reach $9.4 billion in 2024, marking a recovery and growth in the industry following a major decline during the pandemic.
- With an anticipated 34.7% growth rate, global tourism is poised for a complete recovery from pre-pandemic levels.
What’s the Outlook for Global Tourism GDP in 2024?
Travel and tourism will contribute a record $11.1 trillion to the global GDP in 2024, according to a forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).5
- These projections suggest that 2024 will be a record-breaking year for the Travel & Tourism industry.
Will International and Domestic Visitor Spending Increase in 2024?
- International visitor spending is projected to nearly match the peak seen in 2019, reaching approximately $1.89 trillion.
- Domestic tourists are anticipated to spend more than ever, with expenditures estimated to reach about $5.4 trillion, setting a new record.
Travel Statistics Resources
- Australia Statistics
- Austria Statistics
- Canada Statistics
- China Statistics
- Denmark Statistics
- France Statistics
- Germany Statistics
- Greece Statistics
- Hong Kong Statistics
- Iceland Statistics
