UNWTO: Tourist numbers down 83%

International tourist arrivals were down 83% in the first quarter of 2021 as widespread travel restrictions remained in place, Report mentions, referring to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

Between January and March 2021, destinations around the world welcomed 180 million fewer international arrivals compared to the first quarter of last year.

Asia and the Pacific continued to suffer the lowest activity levels with a 94% drop in international arrivals over the three months. Europe recorded the second-largest decline with -83%, followed by Africa (-81%), the Middle East (-78%), and the Americas (-71%). This all follows on from the 73% fall in worldwide international tourist arrivals recorded in 2020, making it the worst year on record for the sector.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili comments: "There is significant pent-up demand, and we see confidence slowly returning. Vaccinations will be key for recovery, but we must improve coordination and communication while making testing easier and more affordable if we want to see a rebound for the summer season in the northern hemisphere."