Middle East sees 225% increase in international arrivals in January-September 2022: UNWTO

Middle East sees 225% increase in international arrivals in January-September 2022: UNWTO

Egypt - The Middle East region saw a 225% increase in international arrivals year-on-year in January-September 2022, achieving 77% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest World Tourism Organization (UNWTO ) Barometer.

It revealed that an estimated 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September, more than double (+133%) the number recorded for the same period in 2021. This equates to 63% of 2019 levels and puts the sector on course to reach 65% of its pre-pandemic levels this year, in line with UNWTO scenarios. Results were boosted by strong pent-up demand, improved confidence levels and the lifting of restrictions in an increasing number of destinations.

Highlighting the speed at which the sector has recovered from the worst crisis in its history, the latest World Tourism Barometer from UNWTO reveals that monthly arrivals were 64% below 2019 levels in January 2022 and had reached -27% by September. An estimated 340 million international arrivals were recorded in the third quarter of 2022 alone, almost 50% of the nine-month total.

It found out that Europe continues to lead the rebound of international tourism. The region welcomed 477 million international arrivals in January-September 2022 (68% of the world total), hitting 81% of pre-pandemic levels. This