Vietnam among the best international visitor recovery groups in Asia-Pacific

International tourism recovers nearly to pre-pandemic levels

According to the UN Tourism International Tourism Barometer, the world recorded more than 285 million international tourists globally in the first quarter of 2024, 20% more than the same period in 2023 and reaching 97% of pre-pandemic levels.

The Middle East will see the strongest growth, with international arrivals exceeding 36% of pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024, up 4% from the same period in 2023.

Europe surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time in a quarter (+1% compared to Q1/2019). The region recorded 120 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, thanks to strong intra-regional demand.

Asia- Pacific will see a rapid recovery in international tourism, with arrivals reaching 82% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, after recovering only 65% ​​in the same period in 2023.

Vietnam is one of the markets with the fastest growth in international visitors in Asia-Pacific, with an increase of 3% compared to 2019. Other markets with high growth in international visitors include: Maldives (+25%), Mongolia (+14%), Fiji (+13%), Samoa (+4%).

The Americas nearly recovered to pre-pandemic international arrivals in the first quarter, with arrivals reaching 99% of 2019 levels.

Africa welcomed 5% more arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 than in the first quarter of 2019 and 13% more than in the first quarter of 2023.

“The recovery of the sector is very welcome news for our economies and the livelihoods of millions of people. However, it also reminds us of the need to ensure adequate tourism policies and destination management that promote sustainability and inclusion, while addressing externalities and the sector’s impact on resources and communities,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

International tourist arrivals in the first quarter worldwide recorded a near-recovery to pre-pandemic levels. (Chart: UN Tourism)

The barometer also showed encouraging results for international tourism with the Travel Confidence Index reaching 130 points (on a scale of 0 to 200) in the January-April period, higher than the forecast (122 points) in January this year.

International tourism receipts are expected to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2023, a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels in nominal terms, but a 97% recovery in real inflation-adjusted terms.

2024: Full recovery but many challenges remain

Based on the results achieved, UN Tourism forecasts that international tourism is expected to fully recover by 2024 thanks to strong demand, enhanced air connectivity and the continued recovery of the Chinese market as well as other major markets in Asia.

The latest UN Travel Confidence Index shows a positive outlook for this summer, with a score of 130 for the May-August 2024 period (on a scale of 0 to 200), reflecting a more optimistic sentiment than at the beginning of the year.

Some 62% of travel professionals surveyed on travel confidence expect a better (53%) or much better (9%) recovery over the four-month period, which includes the Northern Hemisphere summer. Thirty-one percent of professionals predict a similar recovery performance to 2023.

The recovery of the industry is great news for our economies and the livelihoods of millions of people. However, it also highlights the need to ensure that tourism policies and destination management are robust, promoting sustainability and inclusion, while addressing the externalities and impacts of the industry on resources and communities.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili

According to the UN Tourism Panel of Experts, economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to international tourism and travel confidence.

The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (April 2024) points to a steady but slow economic recovery, albeit with regional differences. At the same time, the IMF points out that factors such as persistent inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and trade disruptions continue to lead to high transportation and accommodation costs.

Travelers are expected to continue to seek affordable destinations and travel closer to home in response to rising prices and general economic challenges.

Weather factors such as extreme temperatures and other weather events can influence many tourists' choice of destination. The UN Tourism expert panel said that extreme weather is becoming an increasing concern for the industry's recovery.

In addition, instability from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Hamas-Israel and other rising geopolitical tensions will also be significant risks to international tourism activities.

As international tourism continues to recover and expand, driving economic growth and jobs around the world, governments will need to continue to regulate and strengthen tourism management at the national and local levels to ensure communities and people are at the heart of this growth, the World Tourism Organization recommends.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/un-tourism-viet-nam-thuoc-nhom-phuc-hoi-khach-quoc-te-tot-nhat-tai-chau-a-thai-binh-duong-post811099.html