Joe Mabel
UN Tourism reports that Africa experienced the highest growth rates in tourist trips during the first half of the year, showing an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. In North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, the growth rates were 14% and 11%, respectively.
Europe welcomed approximately 340 million visitors over six months, representing a 4% increase compared to the same timeframe last year and a 7% rise from the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The primary tourist spots in Europe, France and Spain, increased by 5%. In Central and Eastern Europe, the growth rate is even greater - up 9% compared to the first half of 2024, although inbound tourist numbers are 11% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
The arrivals in North and South America rose by 3%, although the outcomes varied by region. Consequently, South American nations noted a rise in tourist arrivals of 14%, Central America experienced an increase of 2%, whereas North America saw no growth due to a reduction in tourist visits to the United States and Canada.
In the Middle East, tourist trips fell by 4% in the first half of the year, whereas there was a 29% rise compared to 2019. According to UN Tourism, these represent the highest growth rates across all macro-regions.
Arrivals in the Asia-Pacific area rose by 11% during this period, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic figures. Northeast Asia exhibited the highest rates of all the subregions globally.
source: reuters.com
Europe welcomed approximately 340 million visitors over six months, representing a 4% increase compared to the same timeframe last year and a 7% rise from the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The primary tourist spots in Europe, France and Spain, increased by 5%. In Central and Eastern Europe, the growth rate is even greater - up 9% compared to the first half of 2024, although inbound tourist numbers are 11% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
The arrivals in North and South America rose by 3%, although the outcomes varied by region. Consequently, South American nations noted a rise in tourist arrivals of 14%, Central America experienced an increase of 2%, whereas North America saw no growth due to a reduction in tourist visits to the United States and Canada.
In the Middle East, tourist trips fell by 4% in the first half of the year, whereas there was a 29% rise compared to 2019. According to UN Tourism, these represent the highest growth rates across all macro-regions.
Arrivals in the Asia-Pacific area rose by 11% during this period, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic figures. Northeast Asia exhibited the highest rates of all the subregions globally.
source: reuters.com
