Global Tourism Industry Sees Strong Resurgence with Asia-Pacific Leading the Way
The global tourism industry is experiencing a strong resurgence, with international arrivals up 16% compared to 2023, according to travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys. This growth is driven by a revival in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region after its delayed post-pandemic reopening.
Although the region still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, the current pace of year-on-year growth signals continued recovery and highlights the pent-up demand for travel within APAC. The positive trend is expected to continue through the end of the year, with double-digit growth in arrivals to countries like China, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia fueling a projected 19% overall increase.
Australia, in particular, has seen a remarkable surge in arrivals from the US, with bookings from US families up 43%. Continued growth from China further strengthens this positive trajectory. The expansion of air connectivity has played a key role in Australia’s tourism boom, with airlines increasing overall capacity on international routes by 8% for the latter part of 2024.
However, Australia and New Zealand face challenges related to seasonal fluctuations in tourism. Effective data-driven strategies are crucial for balancing demand throughout the year and ensuring sustainable growth. Oceania’s travel and tourism sector could add an additional USD112 billion to its economy by 2034 with strategic investments, positioning the region as a global leader in sustainable travel.
In addition, indigenous tourism is expected to contribute USD67 billion to the global economy by 2034, highlighting the key role it plays in promoting economic growth in remote regions while preserving cultural heritage. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) emphasizes the need to support indigenous businesses to help them thrive and preserve traditional practices.
Overall, the travel and tourism sector’s economic growth is outpacing its environmental impact, with global emissions decreasing from 7.8% in 2019 to 6.7% in 2023. ForwardKeys serves as the Knowledge Partner of the WTTC, further emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies in driving sustainable growth in the industry.
