Perth, Australia – During the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC) 24th Global Summit, held in Perth, the travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys presented a positive outlook for the global tourism industry. According to Olivier Ponti, Director of Intelligence & Marketing at ForwardKeys, international arrivals are up by 16% in 2024 compared to 2023, signaling a strong resurgence driven primarily by international travelers.

Latin America: Steady Growth Supported by Air Connectivity

Latin America is experiencing robust growth in international arrivals, driven by increasing demand and enhanced air connectivity. During an exclusive interview, Olivier Ponti highlighted the region's promising position: "Latin America is growing at a rate that outpaces other areas in the Americas, attracting more international visitors thanks to expanded air routes and increased airline operations."

Argentina stands out as a unique case within the region. While the overall number of international arrivals has not increased as significantly as in neighboring countries, the country is attracting a different kind of traveler—long-stay visitors and luxury tourists. These travelers not only stay longer but also spend more, providing a substantial economic boost.

"This trend in Argentina is characterized by an increase in high-spending tourists, who often travel in premium cabins and spend more during their extended stays," Ponti noted. "This shift toward longer stays and higher spending is economically advantageous for Argentina, even though the absolute number of arrivals may not be as high as in other destinations."

Asia-Pacific: Strong Growth After Delayed Reopening

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is finally catching up after a delayed reopening due to the pandemic. Countries like China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are leading the recovery, contributing to an overall projected 19% increase in international arrivals in 2024. This resurgence highlights the pent-up demand for travel within the region, and its impact is being felt far beyond Asia's borders.

"Asia's reopening was the final piece needed for a global tourism comeback," explained Ponti. "The surge in regional travel within APAC is not just revitalizing local economies but also stimulating international travel flows to other parts of the world."

Australia and New Zealand: Seasonal Peaks and Growing Connectivity

Australia and New Zealand are also experiencing notable tourism growth, spurred by increased connectivity and strategic seasonal management. Australia, in particular, has seen a 43% rise in bookings from U.S. families, while arrivals from China are projected to grow by 25% by the end of 2024. This surge is supported by a significant 8% increase in airline capacity on international routes into the country, primarily from regional hubs in Asia.

However, both Australia and New Zealand face challenges related to seasonal variations in tourism. Their peak seasons during the end-of-year holidays contrast sharply with the low visitor numbers in the southern hemisphere's winter months.

Olivier Ponti commented on the need for strategic planning: "Destinations with distinct peak seasons, like Australia and New Zealand, must adopt data-driven approaches to balance tourist inflow year-round. This involves diversifying their source markets and promoting attractions outside of the peak travel periods to ensure sustainable growth."

The Economic Impact of Global Tourism

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson emphasized the broader economic implications during the summit: "This year, Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute USD $3.22 trillion to the economy of the APAC region alone. By the end of 2024, nearly 191 million people will be employed in the global Travel & Tourism sector."

Simpson highlighted that the ongoing recovery offers a unique opportunity to not only drive economic growth but also to set new benchmarks for sustainable practices in tourism. The focus on balancing growth with sustainability is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the sector.

The resurgence of global tourism in 2024, as highlighted by ForwardKeys at the WTTC Global Summit, points to a promising future for the industry. With regions like Latin America and Asia-Pacific driving this growth through increased international arrivals and strategic investments in air connectivity, the sector is on track to exceed its pre-pandemic performance. The focus on high-value tourists and long-term strategies for sustainable growth indicates a new chapter for global tourism, one that benefits both economies and the environment.