In 2024, international tourism nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4bn tourists recorded globally, marking an 11pc increase from 2023, according to the UN Tourism Barometer, published on January 20, 2025.
The Middle East and Africa saw the strongest performance, with the Middle East experiencing a 32pc increase in arrivals compared to 2019, while Africa welcomed 74m tourists, 7pc more than in the same year.
International tourism receipts reached USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, with spending per arrival estimated at USD 1,100, maintaining levels higher than before the pandemic. Destinations like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reported remarkable growth in receipts.
For 2025, international tourist arrivals are forecasted to increase by 3pc to 5pc, driven by a continued recovery in Asia and concerns about economic conditions and geopolitical risks potentially affecting future growth.
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