Global overnight arrivals pass record 1.5 billion
Global travel growth will reach a significant milestone in 2024 as international tourism arrivals are expected to hit 1.5 billion, surpassing 2019 numbers.
This is one of the trends revealed in the WTM Global Travel Report in conjunction with Tourism Economics, which will be unveiled as World Travel Market London opens today.
By 2030, overnight tourism arrivals (international visitors staying at least one night) are projected to have grown by over 30% to two billion, driven by emerging outbound markets.
The report says traveller spend is also rising.
Global leisure tourism expenditure in 2024 is now worth over US$5.5 trillion, at 24% above 2019.
It surmises consumers appear to be prioritising travel with it accounting for a greater proportion of their spending in the major economies than in the 10 years pre-pandemic.
Overall, according to Tourism Economics data, travel spending as a percentage of consumer spending reached 8.8% in 2024, compared to an average 8.2% between 2010 and 2019.
Even in markets such as Asia Pacific where some destinations, notably China, have lagged the recovery, travel as a share of consumer spending is returning close to the heights of 2019.
The number of overnight stays in all paid accommodation is set to exceed 2023 levels by 7% and 2019 levels by 16% according to Tourism Economics.
It says stays are getting longer with average length of stay for both domestic and international travel increasing in the recovery period and remains above the pre-Covid average.
In fact, the average length of stay in hotels on international trips was up 12% in 2024 compared to 2019.
Tourism Economics also noted a significant growth in so-called ‘bleisure’ with business travellers staying on for extra leisure-orientated days.
Juliette Losardo, Exhibitor Director, WTM London, said: “WTM’s aim is to help attendees navigate change, ensuring travel professionals are equipped for the year ahead.”
“Commissioning the WTM Global Travel Report supports our commitment to providing attendees with the latest trends shaping the travel landscape.”
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