During the first nine months of 2024, international arrivals worldwide reached 98% of pre-pandemic levels, compared to the same period in 2019, it said.
The remaining 2% gap will close this month, according to the organization, marking a momentous shift in the industry into a new era of growth.
Growth in the region during that timeframe was led by an increase of visitors to Qatar (+141%) and Saudi Arabia (+61%), it said.
Epicenter of global growthInternational travel in Asia-Pacific may be lagging behind today, but it's expected to be the epicenter of global travel growth in the coming decades.
'Back with a vengeance'Global recovery has been thwarted by the slow return of two types of travelers: Chinese outbound travelers and business travelers.
Persons:
Alan Watts, Hilton, Watts, Anthony Capuano
Organizations:
Council International Asia, Indonesia . Hospitality, Hilton's, Marriott International, Sheraton, CNBC Travel, Marriott
Locations:
U.N . Tourism, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Europe, Americas, Asia, Pacific, Middle, China, India, Indonesia, Hilton's Asia, Vietnam, Japan, Southeast Asia