The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is a publication of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that monitors short-term tourism trends on a regular basis to provide global tourism stakeholders with up-to-date analysis on international tourism.
Below are excerpts from the latest World Tourism Barometer May 2022 issue:
- According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism saw a 182% year-on-year increase in January-March 2022, with destinations worldwide welcoming an estimated 117 million international arrivals compared to 41 million in Q1 2021. Of the extra 76 million international arrivals for the first three months, about 47 million were recorded in March, showing that the recovery is gathering pace.
- Asia and the Pacific recorded a 64% increase in January-March 2022 but stood at -93% compared to 2019. In Asia, there is also observed increasing number of destinations starting to further ease travel restrictions.
- The gradual recovery of international tourism is expected to continue throughout 2022, as more destinations ease or lift restrictions and pent-up demand is unleashed.
- According to experts, the economic environment has become the main factor weighing on the recovery of international tourism.
- Based on the latest results, UNWTO revised its outlook for 2022, with international arrivals now expected to reach 55% to 70% of 2019 levels.
UNWTO has revised its outlook for 2022 due to stronger-than-expected results in the first quarter of 2022, a significant increase in flight reservations, and prospects from the UNWTO Confidence Index. International tourist arrivals are now expected to reach 55% to 70% of 2019 levels in 2022, depending on several circumstances including the rate at which destinations continue to lift travel restrictions, the evolution of the war in Ukraine, possible new outbreaks of coronavirus and global economic conditions, particularly inflation and energy prices.
Check the World Tourism Barometer Volume 20, Issue 3 (May 2022) here.
