According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism has reached 98% of pre-pandemic levels in the first nine months of 2024, with full recovery expected by year’s end. This milestone underscores the vital role of tourism in the global economy, as tourism expenditure grows at a faster pace than arrivals.
Key figures for global tourism in 2024
Between January and September 2024, 1.1 billion international tourists traveled globally, with significant growth in key regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Some standout highlights include:
- Europe: Reached 94% of 2019 levels, driven by intra-regional travel and major outbound markets such as the United States.
- Middle East: Achieved 29% growth compared to 2019, cementing its position as the most recovered region.
- Asia-Pacific: Recovered 85% of pre-pandemic levels, showing steady growth following the reopening of markets.
Additionally, tourism expenditure in many destinations has surged with double-digit growth compared to 2019. Leading this increase are countries like Spain (+36%), Italy (+26%), and Japan (+59%) (UN Barometer).
The impact on short-term rentals
For property managers, the full recovery of tourism presents a unique opportunity to strengthen their operations. With higher spending per visitor, tourists are seeking more comprehensive experiences, benefiting the short-term rental sector. Implementing technology-driven solutions such as noise monitoring and 24/7 guest services is essential to meet these heightened expectations.
Opportunities and challenges for global tourism
As global tourism reaches historic levels, challenges like sustainability and evolving traveler preferences come to the forefront. Trends such as longer stays, bleisure travel (a blend of business and leisure), and the emphasis on community harmony are key considerations for property managers to remain competitive.
Building a stronger, more sustainable tourism industry
The full recovery of tourism in 2024 reflects the industry’s resilience. At Roomonitor, we are committed to supporting property managers with solutions that integrate technology and social responsibility to deliver a sustainable guest experience.
Discover how our tools can help you seize new opportunities in this thriving era of global tourism. Contact us for more information.