2024-03-13 22:48:44
As the 47th edition of the world tourism fair opens this Thursday, March 14 in Paris, the tone is one of recovery for tour operators. According to the World Tourism Organization, the sector should completely return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, or even exceed them by 2%. And this despite a context of inflation and rising prices.
Published on: 03/13/2024 – 23:48
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The first explanation for the great return of tourists around the world is the Asian market, which is recovering. In particular, it is easier to obtain visas for Chinaunderlines the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Beijing has also decided to exempt a certain number of European or Malaysian tourists from visas until next November.
The establishment of a unified tourist visa between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries will also facilitate travel to this region. It’s the same thing on the African side with measures aimed at facilitating intra-continental travel.
The impact of persistent inflation on tourism
On the European side, the effect of Olympic Games will play in full force since France expects nearly 15.3 million visitors this summer. Europe, which will welcome Romania and Bulgaria into the Schengen free movement area in March, should once again be at the top of the destinations this year.
The only downside, according to the UNWTO, is persistent inflation, high interest rates, fluctuations in oil prices and trade disruptions which could continue to impact transport and transportation costs. ‘accommodation. UNWTO expects “ that tourists are increasingly looking for good value for money and traveling less far from home ».
In France, only 52% of French people will treat themselves to a stay in paid accommodation during the year, compared to 55% in 2023 and 56% in 2022, according to a study by the consulting firm Protourisme.
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