Dhaka, Jan. 23 -- According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2024, international tourism ended at 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with 1.3 billion international arrivals. Remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to lead to a complete recovery by 2024 end, with initial estimates pointing to 2 per cent growth above 2019 levels.

However, this central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks. The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67 per cent of tourism professionals indicating better...