According to the most recent World Tourism Barometer* from the UNWTO, it is estimated that 54 million tourists have crossed international borders in 2021, which represents a 67% reduction relative to the same point in 2019 but is the best result since April of 2020.
Of the destinations that shared their data, the majority had recorded a moderate rise in the number of international arrivals compared to 2020.
Confidence for travel is slowly growing
This improvement is supported by the reopening of numerous destinations to international travel, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The loosening of restrictions for vaccinated travelers, coupled with advances in the administration of vaccines against Covid-19, has contributed to a growth in consumers’ confidence and a gradual reestablishment of safe movement in Europe and other parts of the world. However, most destinations in Asia remain closed to non-essential travel.
Resumption of in-person activities. IBTM World Barcelona 2021
In the coming weeks, we will see a resumption of in-person activities in the tourism sector, which is another good indicator of the reactivation of travel at a worldwide level.
Skål International is excited to once again participate in IBTM World 2021 which takes place in Barcelona from 30 November to 2 December 2021.
No doubt a great opportunity to get back to normality and face-to-face events.
“It is a pleasure for our organisation to participate in such a renowned event, while collaborating in the reconstruction of the tourism industry, so damaged in recent times. We encourage you to visit our stand C76 at IBTM World Barcelona 2021 and find out how to become part of the world’s largest network of tourism professionals. Now is the time to stand together.” Daniela Otero, CEO of Skål International.
Looking towards the future
As for the outlook on the final quarter of the year, according to the conclusions of the UNWTO’s Panel of Tourism Experts, 53% think that this period will be worse than was projected, while 31% predict better results towards the end of the year.
An uptick is expected to occur when the previously suppressed demand for international travel is unleashed in 2022, particularly during the second and third quarters.
Regardless, 2022 is already expected to be a year of important changes in the tourism sector.
Among these changes are the expanded use of health passes for work, leisure and dining purposes, a development now taking place in several European countries, and the implementation of new practices such as ETIAS’ electronic travel authorization.
The new travel permit will be implemented as a tool for making European travel safer. This permit, together with the health-related measures that are likely to support mobility and the lifting of restrictions in the remainder of 2021, could ultimately result in a more prosperous 2022 for the tourism industry.
Price will also continue to be a determining factor in the market, and thus the companies in this sector will have to adjust their business models to offer increased flexibility in their terms of reservation – for example, by making cancellations, changes, and reimbursements easier to stimulate demand and increase travellers’ confidence.
We encourage you to continue working towards the recovery of this industry. Everyone can play a part in this. Together, we can ensure that activities are safely resumed, and that the recovery is complete.
Written by
Skål International is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address issues of common interest, improving a business network and promoting destinations.
Participate in our project and join Skål International, the largest global Tourism professional network in the world with nearly 13,000 members in more than 300 clubs in over 102 countries!
For more information about Skål International and membership, please visit www.skal.org.