The global tourism industry will return to the pre-pandemic level only in 2024, and the beginning of 2022 will continue to be burdened by the spread of the Omicron coronavirus strain, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) predicts.
According to it, in 2021 the total number of international tourists increased by 4% compared to 2020, but it was 72% less than in 2019.
The pace of recovery of the industry in different regions of the world remained unequal due to differences in mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and the level of confidence of travelers, explains UNWTO.
In Europe and America, the number of foreign tourists increased by 19% and 17% respectively over the year. On the other hand, in the Middle East, it decreased by 24% compared to 2020, while in the Asia-Pacific region, this indicator decreased by 65% and remains 94% below the level of 2019.
UNWTO experts believe that the prospects for 2022 are more favorable, although they expect that the situation will remain difficult at the beginning of the year due to the new wave of Covid-19.
It is expected that by the end of the year, the number of international tourists arriving will increase by 30-78% compared to 2021, but will still be significantly less than in 2019.
According to most experts, a return to pre-pandemic indicators will occur in 2024 or even later.
According to UNWTO, in 2021, the contribution of international tourism to the world economy amounted to $1.9 trillion against $3.5 trillion in 2019.
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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