International tourism landscape in the first seven months of this year witnessed an impressive surge in visitor arrivals in several countries, showcasing not only a recovery but, in some cases, a significant performance compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest pulse from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.
Among the high achievers were Tanzania, Qatar, Albania, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Moldova. Each of these destinations has navigated the post-pandemic world uniquely, implementing strategies that have drawn travelers in numbers that exceed their 2019 statistics.
In 2024, the global travel and tourism industry flexed its considerable resilience, nearly matching its prepandemic vigour as international travel soared to 96 per cent of its 2019 highs by mid-year.
Rebound with gusto
This spirited revival, fueled by robust demand throughout Europe and the reawakening of destinations across Asia and the Pacific, painted a picture of a sector rebounding with gusto.
The UNWTO barometer reveals a bustling scene: approximately 790 million adventurers crisscrossed international borders from January through July. Tanzania’s tourism growth of 49 per cent through June reflects its ongoing popularity as a wildlife and adventure tourism destination. The country’s iconic safari destinations such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater continue to draw tourists.
Additionally, the Tanzania’s Government has made significant strides in improving infrastructure and tourist services, while also maintaining a strong commitment to conservation efforts. Qatar’s staggering 147 per cent increase in visitor arrivals compared to 2019 can be attributed to multiple factors. The nation’s global visibility was tremendously boosted by hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which had a long-lasting impact on its tourism sector. Post-World Cup, Qatar capitalised on its enhanced infrastructure and international profile to attract tourists.
Albania, with a 93 pc increase in arrivals, has emerged as a Mediterranean hotspot. The country’s rich history, stunning coastlines, and relatively low costs attracted tourists looking for new and affordable destinations. El Salvador saw an 81 per cent increase in tourist arrivals, largely due to its focused marketing strategies and development of new tourist attractions. The 73 pc increase in Saudi Arabia’s tourist numbers is part of the broader Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by diversifying its economy, with tourism playing a key role. The Republic of Moldova experienced a 50 per cent rise in tourist arrivals, which can be attributed to its burgeoning wine tourism industry.
