Browsing: global tourism

• UNWTO reports a 4% rise in international tourist arrivals in 2021
• However, 2021 was another challenging year: arrivals were still 72% down on pre-pandemic levels
• Recovery needs stronger coordination and increased vaccination rates

Global Tourism Pandemic

Global tourism experienced a 4% upturn in 2021 to reach 415 million arrivals, compared to 2020, During Pandemic which saw arrivals drop to 400 million.

However, international tourist arrivals were still 72% below the pre-pandemic year of 2019, according to preliminary estimates by UNWTO. This follows on from 2020, the worst year on record for tourism when international arrivals decreased by 73%.

The first 2022 issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows that rising rates of vaccination, combined with easing of travel restrictions due to increased cross-border coordination and protocols, have all helped release pent up demand.

International tourism rebounded moderately during the second half of 2021, with international arrivals down 62% in …