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INSIDER

UNWTO: Europe, U.S. tourism lead strong start to 2022, but now

facing new uncertainties

International tourism continued
its recovery in January 2022, with a
much better performance compared to
the weak start to 2021. However, the
Russian invasion of Ukraine adds pressure
to existing economic uncertainties,
coupled with many COVID-related
travel restrictions still in place. Overall
confidence could be affected and hamper
the recovery of tourism, reports the UN
World Tourism Organization in its latest
update.
Based on the latest available data,
global international tourist arrivals more
than doubled (+130%) in January 2022
compared to 2021. The 18 million more
visitors recorded worldwide in the first
month of this year equals the total increase
for the whole of 2021.
While these figures confirm the
positive trend already underway last in the Caribbean and Asia and the Pacific, markets, which have started to open up,
year, the pace of recovery in January together with some small European and could be particularly impacted especially
was impacted by the emergences of the Central American destinations recorded the regarding travel to Europe, as these markets
Omicron variant and the re-introduction of best results compared to 2019: Seychelles are historically more risk averse.
travel restrictions in several destinations. (-27%), Bulgaria and Curaçao (both -20%), The shutdown of Ukrainian and
Following the 71% decline of 2021, El Salvador (-19%), Serbia and Maldives Russian airspace, as well as the ban
international arrivals in January 2022 (both -13%), Dominican Republic (-11%), on Russian carriers by many European
remained 67% below pre-pandemic levels. Albania (-7%) and Andorra (-3%). Bosnia countries is affecting intra-European
and Herzegovina (+2%) even exceeded pre- travel. It is also causing detours in long-
Europe and Americas perform strongest pandemic levels. Among major destinations haul flights between Europe and East
All regions enjoyed a significant Turkey and Mexico saw declines of 16% Asia, which translates into longer flights
rebound in January 2022, though from and 24% respectively as compared to 2019. and higher costs. Russia and Ukraine
low levels recorded at the start of 2021. accounted for a combined 3% of global
Europe (+199%) and the Americas (+97%) Prospects for recovery spending on international tourism in
continued to post the strongest results, After the unprecedented drop of 2020 2020 and at least US$14 billion in global
with international arrivals still around half and 2021, international tourism is expected tourism receipts could be lost if the
pre-pandemic levels (-53% and -52%, to continue its gradual recovery in 2022. conflict is prolonged.
respectively). As of March 24, 12 destinations had no As destinations Russia and Ukraine
The Middle East (+89%) and Africa COVID-19 related restrictions in place and accounted for 4% of all international
(+51%) also saw growth in January 2022 an increasing number of destinations were arrivals in Europe but only 1% of Europe’s
over 2021, but these regions are still easing or lifting travel restrictions, which international tourism receipts in 2020.
63% and 69% respectively below the contributes to
2019 levels. While Asia and the Pacific unleashing pent-
recorded a 44% year-on-year increase, up demand. Editor/Publisher: Lois R. Pasternak
several destinations remained closed to The war in In Memoriam: Paul A. Pasternak
Executive Editor: Michael Pasternak
non-essential travel resulting in the largest Ukraine poses Editorial Contributors: John Gallagher
decrease in international arrivals over 2019 new challenges Production Coordinator & Designer: Chris Hetzer
(-93%). to the global Design and Production: It’s About Time, Inc.
By subregions, the best results were economic Webmaster: Michael Pasternak
recorded by Western Europe, registering environment and Printing by The Printer’s Printer. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
This publication is a special supplement of Travel Markets Insider, published
four times more arrivals in January 2022 risks hampering by Pasternak Communications, Inc., 255 NE 3rd Ave No. 312, Delray Beach,
than in 2021, but 58% less than in 2019. the return of FL. 33444 USA. www.travelmarketsinsider.net
Additionally, the Caribbean (-38%) and confidence in E-mail: parsnip5@aol.com, editor@travelmarketsinsider.net
Tel (561) 908-2119
Southern and Mediterranean Europe (-41%) global travel. Travel Markets Insider is a weekly newsletter distributed 50 times a year
have shown the fastest rates of recovery The U.S. and via e-mail, on a subscription basis only.
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© 2022 by Pasternak Communications, Inc.

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