The number of tourists around the world is on the rise again after the Covid crisis

Tourists taking photos in Paris, March 14, 2022. AP - Francois Mori

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The number of international tourists tripled compared to the first quarter of 2021. Nearly 117 million traveled worldwide.

An increase which is explained in particular by the end of the anti-Covid restrictions.

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The rebound in global tourism

 in Europe, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The old continent traditionally welcomes the most tourists.

Before the health crisis, in 2019, it was half of the total worldwide.

And compared to the first quarter of last year, Europe registers four times more tourists.

The sector is also picking up in North America with a 117% increase and in the Middle East with a 132% increase since 2021. “

 ", estimates the UN agency, which reports a "

".

As of June 2, 45 destinations, including 31 in Europe, no longer had any restrictions related to Covid-19, thus promoting tourism.

In Asia, a growing number of destinations have also started to relax the rules governing tourist arrivals.

Optimism tempered by rising prices around the world

But even if the figures are promising, we are still far from the period before Covid.

Compared to 2019, there is still a margin of 61% to recover.

And the World Tourism Organization urges caution for the next few months due to the war in Ukraine.

Prices are rising everywhere, especially on oil, which is causing an increase in transport and accommodation costs.

And this is likely to hinder the restart of tourist activity.

►Also read: After two dark years, tourism is picking up again in France

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