International tourism bounced back to 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels in the seven months through July 2024 driven by the re-opening of markets in Asia and the Pacific, an analysis showed. 

According to a report by the UN Tourism, the rebound was also propelled by strong demand in Europe. 

The report revealed that around 790 million tourists travelled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, about 11 percent more than in 2023 and only 4 percent less than in 2019.

"International tourism is on track to consolidate its full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector's history. The ongoing rebound comes despite a range of economic and geopolitical challenges, highlighting the strong demand for international travel as well as the effectiveness of boosting air connections and easing visa restrictions," said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. 

He added: "This recovery also highlights the growing need for tourism planning and managing to cater for its impacts on communities in a way that the immense socio-economic benefits are paired with inclusive and sustainable policies." 

Middle East Region Driving Growth

According to the report, the Middle East region continued to be the strongest-growing region in relative terms, with international arrivals climbing 26 percent above 2019 levels in the first seven months of 2024.

The Middle East region, including countries like Saudi Arabia, has been promoting the tourism sector over the past few years, aligned with their economic diversification agenda, to reduce their decades-long revenue dependence on oil. 

Saudi Arabia, in 2023, welcomed more than 100 million tourists, already surpassing the Kingdom's targets for 2030. 

Africa Welcomes 7% More Tourists

According to the report, Africa welcomed 7 percent more tourists in the first seven months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2019. 

Europe and the Americas recovered 99 percent and 97 percent of their pre-pandemic arrivals respectively during these seven months. 

Asia and the Pacific recorded 82 percent of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers in the first seven months of this year.