United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Global overnight arrivals pass record 1.5 billion
Global travel growth will reach a significant milestone in 2024 as international tourism arrivals are expected to hit 1.5 billion, surpassing 2019 numbers.
This is one of the trends revealed in the WTM Global Travel Report in conjunction with Tourism Economics, which will be unveiled as World Travel Market London opens today.
By 2030, overnight tourism arrivals (international visitors staying at least one night) are projected to have grown by over 30% to two billion, driven by emerging outbound markets.
The report says traveller spend is also rising.
Global leisure tourism expenditure in 2024 is now worth over US$5.5 trillion, at 24% above 2019.
It surmises consumers appear to be prioritising travel with it accounting for a greater proportion of their spending in the major economies than in the 10 years pre-pandemic.
Overall, according to Tourism Economics data, travel spending as a percentage of consumer spending reached 8.8% in 2024, compared to an average 8.2% between 2010 and 2019.
Even in markets such as Asia Pacific where some destinations, notably China, have lagged the recovery, travel as a share of consumer spending is returning close to the heights of 2019.
The number of overnight stays in all paid accommodation is set to exceed 2023 levels by 7% and 2019 levels by 16% according to Tourism Economics.
It says stays are getting longer with average length of stay for both domestic and international travel increasing in the recovery period and remains above the pre-Covid average.
In fact, the average length of stay in hotels on international trips was up 12% in 2024 compared to 2019.
Tourism Economics also noted a significant growth in so-called ‘bleisure’ with business travellers staying on for extra leisure-orientated days.
Juliette Losardo, Exhibitor Director, WTM London, said: “WTM’s aim is to help attendees navigate change, ensuring travel professionals are equipped for the year ahead.”
“Commissioning the WTM Global Travel Report supports our commitment to providing attendees with the latest trends shaping the travel landscape.”
Related News Stories:
Learn more about : WTM – World Travel Market ( United Kingdom )
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled