International tourist arrivals almost tripled in January-July 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, recovering to almost 60% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to a UNWTO report. Europe saw the strongest recovery, welcoming 309 million arrivals - 74% of 2019 levels. The Middle East saw the fastest overall recovery, with arrivals jumping 287% year-over-year. Several countries like Serbia, Sudan, and Romania exceeded their 2019 international tourism levels.

1. International tourist arrivals almost triple in Jan-
July (UNWTO) tourist arrivals almost triple in Jan-
July: UN
Global tourism sector recovers some 60% of pre-
pandemic levels in first 7 months of this year, says
UNWTO

2. • Having continued to show strong signs of recovery, international
tourist arrivals almost tripled in January-July compared to the same
period last year, according to data from the World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO).
• The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer figures released on
Monday showed that some 474 million tourists travelled
internationally from in the first seven months of this year, up from
175 million in January-July 2021 -- an annual surge of 175%.
• Thus, international tourism recovered to almost 60% of pre-
pandemic levels thanks to solid pent-up demand for international
travel, as well as easing of travel restrictions, the UNWTO said.
• With the release of the new figures, UNWTO Secretary-General
Zurab Pololikashvili noted tourism's continued steady recovery,
while pointing out several remaining challenges, "from geopolitical
to economic."

3. • Citing separate data by the International Air Transport Association
(IATA), the UNWTO said international passenger air traffic soared
234% in the same period, but remained 45% below 2019 levels.
• Europe welcomed 309 million of international tourist arrivals in the
seven-month period, reaching 74% of the level in 2019.
• Amid a busy summer period, Europe welcomed almost three times
as many international arrivals compared to January-July 2021 due
to strong intra-regional demand and travel from the US.
• The Middle East showed the fastest recovery in international
arrivals, jumping by 287% year-on-year through that period in
2022.
• In July, the figure surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 3%, fueled by
an extraordinary increase -- 121% -- posted by Saudi Arabia
following the Hajj pilgrimage.

4. • Among the destinations that reported exceeding pre-pandemic
levels of international tourism receipts in the first five to seven
months of this year,
• Serbia exceeded its 2019 figure by 73%;
• as did Sudan by 64%;
• Romania by 43%;
• Albania 32%;
• North Macedonia 24%;
• Pakistan 18%;
• Türkiye, Bangladesh, and Latvia all with 12%;
• Mexico and Portugal with 8%,
• Kenya with 5%, and Colombia 2%.