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How was the tourist year 2024?

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How was the tourist year 2024?

In 2024, the global tourism sector recovered by 98% from pre-pandemic levels. In the first 9 months alone, about 1.1 billion tourists made international trips. Find out how the 2024 tourism year went and what to expect in 2025

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Despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges, four years after the COVID-19 lockdown brought global tourism to a standstill, experts are predicting a strong recovery in the sector in 2024, with most regions already surpassing 2019 arrivals.

How was 2024 in the travel world? Here are the most interesting statistics.


Tourism performance by region


International tourist arrivals increased significantly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong demand in Europe following the pandemic and strong performance in major outbound markets around the world, as well as the continued recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Improved air connectivity and visa facilitation also helped boost international travel.


- Middle East +29% compared to 2019 – the region continued to enjoy record growth in the nine months, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels.

- The Americas recovered 97% of pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% compared to 2019).

- Asia-Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia-Pacific has seen a gradual, albeit uneven, recovery in arrivals following the region’s reopening for international travel in 2023.


The Northern Hemisphere summer season was generally strong, with global arrivals reaching 99% of pre-pandemic levels in Q3 2024.


How many destinations achieved 2019 figures?


In total, 60 out of 111 destinations exceeded 2019 arrivals in the first eight to nine months of 2024.

The highest arrivals during this period were in:

- Qatar (+141% compared to 2019), where arrivals more than doubled;

- Albania (+77%);

- Saudi Arabia (+61%);

- Curacao (+48%);

- Tanzania (+43%);

- Colombia and Andorra (both +36%).




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Tourism revenues in 2024


Tourism revenues show extraordinary growth.

In total, 35 of the 43 countries for which data on receipts are available exceeded pre-pandemic levels in the first eight to nine months of 2024, many of which reported double-digit growth compared to 2019 (in local currencies), in most cases well above the rate of inflation.


Countries with the highest growth in tourism receipts:

- Serbia (+99%), where receipts almost doubled (compared to the same months in 2019);

- Pakistan (+64%);

- Romania (+61%);

- Japan (+59%);

- Portugal (+51%);

- Nicaragua and Tanzania (both up 50%).


Countries with the highest tourism earnings:

Japan (+59%);

- Turkey (+41%);

- France (+27%) recorded double-digit growth through September 2024;

- Spain (+36%);

- Italy (+26%) also reported significant visitor growth through August.


The United Kingdom recorded a 43% increase in revenue, Canada 35% and Australia 18% through June 2024. As for the United States, the world’s largest tourism earner, it reported a 7% increase through September.


International tourism costs


International tourism spending reflects the same trend, particularly among major outbound markets such as Germany (+35% compared to 2019), the United States (+33%) and France (+11%).

Significant increases in spending were also reported in the United Kingdom (+46%), Australia (+34%), Canada (+28%) and Italy (+26%) through June 2024. Available data for India suggests a surge in outbound spending in this increasingly important market, with growth of 81% by June 2024 (compared to 2019).


Forecast for 2025


While a large number of destinations have already exceeded pre-pandemic arrivals in 2023 or will exceed this in 2024, there is still room for recovery in several sub-regions and destinations. The slower recovery in parts of Northeast Asia and Central Eastern Europe contrasts with strong performances in all other European sub-regions, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, where arrivals exceeded pre-pandemic levels.


Challenges for international tourism


Despite the generally strong performance, some economic, geopolitical and climate-related challenges remain. The tourism sector is still facing inflation in the travel and tourism sector, namely high transport and accommodation prices, as well as volatile oil prices. Major conflicts and tensions around the world continue to affect consumer confidence, while extreme weather events and staff shortages are also critical challenges to tourism productivity.


Let's remind you! Experts predict that in 2025 the world of tourism will see many new destinations, including more themed tours, budget travel, and the fight against overtourism will remain relevant. We have already told you which destinations you should add to your travel list in 2025.




Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip. You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.



We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

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