The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer regularly examines short-term tourism trends to give world tourism stakeholders with speed insights on international tourism. The report is issued four times a year and contains an examination of the most recent statistics on tourist attractions (inbound tourism) and commercial context (outbound tourism).

In 2021, worldwide tourism increased by 4%, with 15 million additional international tourist visits (overnight tourists) than in 2020. (415 million versus 400 million). According to preliminary estimates, overseas arrivals were still 72% lower than in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. This follows on from 2020, that was the worst year on recorded in global tourism, with overseas arrivals dropping by 73%. Increased visitor confidence, as well as quick progress on immunizations and the relaxation of entrance restrictions in many places, drove the surge in demand.

Tourism industry recovered modestly within the second quarter of 2021, with international tourist arrivals dropping 62 percent in both the final three months of 2021 when compared with the pre levels. According to limited statistics, foreign visitors in December were 65% lower than in 2019. The entire impact of the Omicron variation and the increase in COVID-19 patients is still unknown.

According to UNWTO projections, foreign visitor visits might increase by 30 percent to 78 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. Nevertheless, it’s still 50 to 63 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels. The current increase in COVID-19 cases and the Omicron variant are expected to derail the recovery and undermine trust until early 2022, when some governments impose travel restrictions and limitations for certain markets.

While tourism industry is rebounding, domestic tourism is driving recovery in an expanding variety of destinations, especially those with substantial domestic markets. Local tourism sector close to home, and also open-air activities, nature-based goods, and rural tourism, are among the primary travel trends that will continue to shape tourism in 2022, as according specialists.