International tourism continued its recovery in January, with a much better performance compared to the weak start to 2021. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine adds pressure to existing economic uncertainties, coupled with many Covid-19-related travel restrictions still in place.
Overall, confidence could be affected and hamper the recovery of tourism. Based on the latest available data, global international tourist arrivals more than doubled (up 130 per cent) in January this year compared to 2021 – the 18 million more visitors recorded worldwide in the first month of this year equals the total increase for the whole of 2021.
While these figures confirm the positive trend already underway last year, the pace of recovery in January was impacted by the emergences of the Omicron variant and the re-introduction of travel restrictions in several destinations. Following the 71 per cent decline of 2021, international arrivals in January remained 67 per cent below pre-pandemic levels. All regions enjoyed a significant rebound in January, though from low levels recorded at the start of 2021.
Europe (up 199 per cent) and the Americas (up 97 per cent) continued to post the strongest results, with international arrivals still around half pre-pandemic levels (down by 53 and 52 per cent, respectively). After the unprecedented drop of 2020 and 2021, international tourism is expected to continue its gradual recovery in 2022. As of March 24th, 12 destinations had no Covid-19 related restrictions in place and an increasing number of destinations were easing or lifting travel restrictions, which contributes to unleashing pent-up demand.
The war in Ukraine poses new challenges to the global economic environment and risks hampering the return of confidence in global travel. The US and the Asian source markets, which have started to open up, could be particularly impacted especially regarding travel to Europe, as these markets are historically more risk averse.
The shutdown of Ukrainian and Russian airspace, as well as the ban on Russian carriers by many European countries is affecting intra-European travel.
It is also causing detours in long-haul flights between Europe and East Asia, which translates into longer flights and higher costs.
Russia and Ukraine accounted for a combined three per cent of global spending on international tourism in 2020 and at least US$14 billion in global tourism receipts could be lost if the conflict is prolonged. The importance of both markets is significant for neighbouring countries, but also for European sun and sea destinations.
The Russian market also gained significant weight during the pandemic for long haul destinations such as Maldives, Seychelles or Sri Lanka. As destinations Russia and Ukraine accounted for four per cent of all international arrivals in Europe but only one per cent of Europe’s international tourism receipts in 2020.
