UNWTO Barometer Sept 2021
The free-to-read 4-page excerpt from the latest UNWTO Barometer begins on a sober note, stating that international tourism in the first seven months of 2021 was 40% down on that of 2020 and 80% down on the equivalent period of 2019.
A more positive note is struck when thinking about prospects, noting the successful rollout of a vaccine programme in many nations and the gradual lifting of travel restrictions in some parts of the world. The panel of experts expect a rebound in the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2022, but half of those quizzed still believe that 2019 levels will not be revisited until 2024 or later.
Inter-regional demand meant that a few destinations in Europe and the Americas saw volumes in June and July start to recover while destinations in Asia Pacific continue to report some of the weakest performance.
Domestic tourism has been the mainstay of many destinations, with the report noting that domestic air seat capacity in Russia and China is now ahead of its 2019 level.
The excerpt concludes with a table summarising performance by region and sub-region.