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International tourism receipts are expected to reach USD $1.4 trillion in 2023, which is already 93% of pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, international tourism revenue reached a record high of $1.5 trillion. Resolution per World Tourism Organization data.
Based on the information gathered from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the U.S. Travel Association, international tourism is on a strong recovery path towards reaching pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. The UNWTO's data indicates that international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals.
International tourism receipts reached approximately USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, which is about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019. These trends, along with increased air connectivity and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024, with initial estimates pointing to a 2% growth above 2019 levels.
Conversely, the U.S. Travel Association's forecast suggests a more cautious outlook for international travel to the U.S., with travel volume expected to reach 98% of 2019 levels in 2024. This forecast is influenced by factors such as a global macroeconomic slowdown, a strong dollar, and lengthy visa wait times, which could inhibit future growth. Spending levels, when adjusted for inflation, are not anticipated to recover until 2026.
Given these insights, it's plausible to project that while international tourism as a whole is on track for a full recovery by the end of 2024, achieving or exceeding the $1.5 trillion mark in international tourism revenue globally is within reach, albeit with certain economic and geopolitical uncertainties that could impact the final outcome.
90% Chance
85% Confident