Zurab Pololikashvili: Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023

After stronger than expected recovery in 2022, this year could see international tourism arrivals return to pre-pandemic levels in Europe and the Middle East. Tourists are nonetheless expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home in response to the challenging economic climate.
Based on UNWTO's forward-looking scenarios for 2023, global international tourist arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels this year, depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, the ongoing recovery of travel in Asia and the Pacific and the evolution of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, among other factors.
All regions bounced back
According to new data from UNWTO, more than 900 million tourists traveled internationally in 2022 – double the number recorded in 2021 though still 63% of pre-pandemic levels. Every global region recorded notable increases in international tourist numbers. The Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase as arrivals climbed to 83% of pre-pandemic numbers. Europe reached nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels as it welcomed 585 million arrivals in 2022. Africa and the Americas both recovered about 65% of their pre-pandemic visitors, while Asia and the Pacific reached only 23%, due to stronger pandemic-related restrictions which have started to be removed only in recent months. The first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2023 also analyses performance by region and looks at top performers in 2022, including several destinations which have already recovered 2019 levels.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "A new year brings more reason for optimism for global tourism. UNWTO anticipates a strong year for the sector even in the face of diverse challenges including the economic situation and continued geopolitical uncertainty. Economic factors may influence how people travel in 2023 and UNWTO expects demand for domestic and regional travel to remain strong and help drive the sector's wider recovery."
Chinese tourists set to return
UNWTO foresees the recovery to continue throughout 2023 even as the sector faces up to economic, health, and geopolitical challenges. The recent lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions in China, the world's largest outbound market in 2019, is a significant step for the recovery of the tourism sector in Asia and the Pacific and worldwide. In the short term, the resumption of travel from China is likely to benefit Asian destinations in particular. However, this will be shaped by the availability and cost of air travel, visa regulations andCOVID-19 related restrictions in the destinations. By mid-January, a total of 32 countries had imposed specific travel restrictions related to travel from China, mostly in Asia and Europe.
At the same time, strong demand from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the region and beyond. Europe will continue to enjoy strong travel flows from the US, partly due to a weaker euro versus the US dollar.
Notable increases in international tourism receipts have been recorded across most destinations, in several cases higher than their growth in arrivals. This has been supported by the increase in average spending per trip due to longer periods of stay, the willingness of travelers to spend more on their destination, and higher travel costs due to inflation. However, the economic situation could translate into tourists adopting a more cautious attitude in 2023, with reduced spending, shorter trips, and travel closer to home.
Furthermore, continued uncertainty caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine and other mounting geopolitical tensions, as well as health challenges related to COVID-19 also represent downside risks and could weigh on tourism's recovery in the months ahead.
The latest UNWTO Confidence Index shows cautious optimism for January-April, higher than the same period in 2022. This optimism is backed by the opening up in Asia and strong spending numbers in 2022 from both traditional and emerging tourism source markets, with France, Germany, and Italy as well as Qatar, India, and Saudi Arabia all posting strong results.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: pixabay.com
05/06 16:25
IATA presents strategic roadmaps to showcase critical steps for Net Zero by 2050
04/06 18:09
Greece taking necessary actions to prevent illegal crossings from Evros river
04/06 14:18
The Swedes elect the Greek islands of Cyclades for this summer
03/06 19:24
HABA to honor Capital Link chief as Executive of the Year on June 21
03/06 16:27
Exodus of Athenians ahead of Holy Spirit long weekend continues at major ports
03/06 14:20
A total of 44 parties submit applications for June 25 elections in Greece
03/06 01:32
Greek Foreign Minister to attend Turkish President's swearing-in ceremony
03/06 00:13
UNWTO Commision for Europe meets in Bulgarian capital of Sofia
02/06 21:14
Festival at Greece’s ancient theaters dedicated to opera diva Maria Callas
02/06 19:23
Four Greek public hospitals to get upgrades funded by first RRF contract
02/06 19:07
Tsarouchis' work "May" breaks painter's sale record in Athens auction
02/06 17:27
US Ambassador: Alexandroupoli plays 'key role in achieving energy and climate goals'
02/06 17:11
Athens Syntagma tram line affected by Nea Smyrni race on Saturday night
02/06 00:28
United States Congressmen open the way to sale of F-35s to Greece
01/06 21:23
Media: Calming the waters, Greece and Turkey cancel Aegean military drills
01/06 17:10
Fall in Covid-19 infections and flu cases reported in Greece on May 22-28
01/06 13:28
Greek RES company announces 1.16 billion euros investment in Canada
01/06 01:30
Port Jefferson AHEPA Chapter 319 awards annual scholarships in New York
31/05 23:44
Ivanka Trump: Athens Acropolis is where “history comes alive”
31/05 23:19
Greek supermarket sales grow 9.1% but volumes drop 3.5% in January-April
31/05 19:03
Greek capital celebrates 36th anniversary of Athens 98.4 FM radio station
31/05 16:49
31/05 13:41
EBRD invests $60 million in Skouries mine project in Northern Greece
30/05 21:48
AP report: Top 10 most popular Greek & Roman ruins according to Visited
30/05 20:55
30/05 19:41
Greek Diaspora in special electoral rolls votes in national elections on June 24
30/05 18:45
European judges associations to organize spring session in Athens on June 1-3
30/05 15:34
Greece's Supreme Court Prosecutor looks into exam system cyber attacks
29/05 21:26
Thalassa Benefit for Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center in NY on May 31
29/05 18:38
Dissolution of parliament & June 25 runoff elections officially announced in Greece
28/05 21:30
New Greek parliament convenes but will be dissolved as early as Monday
28/05 19:52
Holy Trinity Church Cultural Committee holds Ecumenical Patriarchate Symposium
28/05 00:23
Greece ranked second globally in incorporating solar photovoltaic technologies
27/05 00:34
'Social robot' to support autistic children developed at Macedonia University in Greece
26/05 22:16
Former Archbishop of America honored by National Kapodistrian University of Athens
26/05 20:25
Newton Shows and St. Paul Cathedral to jointly present Long Island Greek Festival
26/05 15:32
Reuters report: Greek bonds trading as though they already have investment grade
26/05 00:56
Greece's PPC announces increases in profits, investments and RES projects in Q1
25/05 20:53
New ministers in caretaker government announced ahead of second elections in Greece
25/05 20:08
Greek professor wins WHO annual award for anti-smoking campaign efforts
25/05 17:12
Hike in coronavirus infections and flu cases with 52 deaths In Greece
25/05 14:58
Moody's forecast: New ND government in Greece will be 'credit positive'
24/05 21:27
New public art exhibit flutters into Greektown of Chicago on June 2
24/05 20:36
European Commission: Greece should continue implementing recovery plan consistently
24/05 18:18
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
24/05 12:31
State Department: Our cooperation with Greece strengthens NATO and makes the region safer
24/05 09:14
ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1
24/05 00:22
24/05 00:21
World Committee on tourism ethics promotes responsible and inclusive tourism
23/05 22:19
Greek PM: Higher salaries a main focus of second-term New Democracy government
23/05 19:14
Greek Foreign Minister Dendias visiting Brussels and honored by AHEPA
23/05 19:06
Lamda Development announces deal to build first Mandarin Oriental hotel in Athens
23/05 16:09
Athens Acropolis Museum in 'Green Cultural Routes' action this weekend
23/05 13:24
DBRS: Sunday's vote could lead to credit improvements for Greece
23/05 00:30
New narratives in tourism: UNWTO leads rethink of sector communications
22/05 21:32
Wall Street Journal: Greek voters rewarded ruling party's pro-business push
22/05 21:16
Traffic to be restricted on Alexandras avenue in downtown Athens as of May 23
22/05 20:23
OANA meeting on May 24 over sustainable power generation and summer youth activities
22/05 19:26
US State Department congratulates Greece on Sunday's electoral results
22/05 14:35
21/05 16:41
Media: Greece recovers hundreds of stolen artifacts including Alexander’s statue
21/05 15:51
Participation of Greek voters in today's elections at 31,52% so far
21/05 11:38
20/05 23:54
Travel Counsellors reports spike in all-inclusive bookings - Greece among top destinations
20/05 18:30
City of Athens presents Ecumenical Patriarch with its highest distinction
20/05 14:22
Polls open for Diaspora Greeks in historic first for the country
20/05 14:11
20/05 00:42
UNWTO Executive Council meets in Punta Cana of the Dominican Republic
19/05 21:53
Greece's Interior Ministry releases practical information for voters
19/05 20:09
Zappeion press center open in central Athens as of 9:00 am Saturday
19/05 19:59
National e-Mobility Plan posted for public consultation in Greece to June 16
19/05 16:00
18/05 23:55
Greek Prime Minister: Thessaloniki Metro commitment met successfully
18/05 21:18
Safety Audit for Ground Operations reaches 15 years of advancing aviation safety
18/05 18:51
Athens Megaron Garden events this summer with Lena Platonos feature, opera screenings
18/05 11:42
International Museum Day with free entrance and special events in Greece
18/05 00:02
UNWTO identifies priorities for promoting rural tourim potential
17/05 22:03
International Air Transport Association: Bookings points to strong peak season travel
17/05 17:07
Greek Maritime Golf Event, the best golf tournament returns for its 9th year
17/05 15:17
Green light for the construction of Panathinaikos Stadium in Votanikos of Athens
17/05 14:43
Greek firms announce deal for developing renewable energy projects in Egypt
17/05 14:26
16/05 22:22
Greek FM: Greece and Turkey could create 'a burst of opportunities and growth'
16/05 22:15
The Global Greek Film Initiative holds Inaugural Benefit Event on May 4th
16/05 18:58
Greece requests new €1.72 billion disbursement from EU's Recovery Fund
16/05 16:48
Focus Africa Conference to boost aviation’s contribution to African Development
16/05 13:07
Athens Chamber of Commerce: New type of consumer is emerging
15/05 20:57
Greece launches research center for management of stranded marine animals
15/05 17:02
Prince Albert II of Monaco to visit the island of Elafonissos on May 29
15/05 16:09
Greek budget recorded 2.434 billion euros primary surplus in January-April
15/05 09:13
The President of the Hellenic Republic visiting Iceland on May 15-17
14/05 16:06
14/05 15:14
Greek Tourism Minister expects 2023 sector performance to top last year by 10-20%
13/05 22:01
UNWTO organizes executive training on tourism for rural growth in Middle East
12/05 22:22
Greek PM from Rhodes: South Aegean has had highest population growth in Greece
12/05 21:26
Dr. Jigang Bao clinches UNWTO Ulysses Prize for excellence in tourism scholarship
12/05 21:03
12/05 14:19
Fitch: Greek Stability Programme records strong improvement in public finances
12/05 11:09
Greek FM participating in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers "Gymnich"
11/05 19:33
Rise in coronavirus infections and drop in flu cases in Greece
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time
PM at Axia discussion: Greece offering great investment opportunities in 2023
ATHEX chief: Venture Capital for 'new generation' digital fintech solutions
Tri-city winter luncheon unites upstate New York Philoptochos chapters
Priceless antiquities returned to the people of Greece at New York Consulate
ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1
Impressive statue of Hercules unearthed in Philippi of Northern Greece
UNWTO promotes people's role and MSMES as sector transformation agents
World Taste Atlas: Greek cuisine is the second best on the planet
Severe weather front to continue across Greece until Wednesday (video)
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
Greek Tourism Minister: Passenger location form to be abolished in Greece as of March 15
Volcano lights up in spectacular display of fireworks on Greek island of Santorini
National Polytechnic of Athens commemorates 49th uprising anniversary
Infrastructure works on Spinalonga island to assist visitors and protect the monument
Inspirational project promoting Hellenism and love for Greece globally (video)
Greek summer school organized in Peloponnnesian city of Kalamata in 2023
New public art exhibit flutters into Greektown of Chicago on June 2
Cyprus Health Minister urges self protection measures for COVID ahead of holidays
FM: Greece mobilised resources and is ready to assist Türkiye and Syria
Downtown Athens traffic restrictions imposed for Greek Independence Day parades
State Department: Our cooperation with Greece strengthens NATO and makes the region safer