International tourism up 4% in 2021 but still 72% below pre-pandemic levels Global tourism experienced a mild 4% upturn in 2021, with 15 million more international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) than in 2020 but remained 72% below the levels of pre-pandemic year 2019 according to preliminary estimates. This follows a 73% plunge in international travel in 2020, the worst year on record for tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International tourism rebounded moderately in the second half of 2021, with international arrivals down 62% in both the third and fourth quarters, compared to the same periods in 2019. Rising vaccination rates combined with softer travel restrictions due to increased cross-border coordination and protocols, have all helped release pent up demand in 2021. Europe and the Americas recorded the strongest results by region relative to 2020 with arrivals up 19% and 17% respectively, though they remained 62% and 63% below 2019 levels. Africa saw a 12% increase in 2021 compared to 2020, though remained 74% below 2019 levels. In the Middle East arrivals declined 24% compared to 2020 and 79% over 2019. In Asia and the Pacific, arrivals dropped 65% from 2020 levels and 94% when compared to pre-pandemic values. By subregion, the Caribbean saw the best performance in 2021, with international arrivals up 63% over 2020, though 37% below 2019, with some destinations coming close to, or exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The economic contribution of tourism (tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at US$1.9 trillion in 2021, above the US$1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of US$ 3.5 trillion. The latest UNWTO Panel of Experts survey indicates that 61% of tourism professionals expect better performance in 2022 than in 2021. However, most experts (64%) also believe international tourism will not return to 2019 levels until 2024 or later. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the Omicron variant could disrupt the recovery of tourism in early 2022. UNWTO scenarios point to 30% to 78% growth in international tourist arrivals in 2022 depending on various factors. This would be 50% to 63% below pre-pandemic levels. While international tourism bounces back, domestic tourism will continue to drive the recovery of the sector in an increasing number of destinations. Domestic travel is fueled by demand for destinations which are closer to home and have low population density, as tourists look for open-air activities, nature-based products and rural tourism.