Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have served to deal a severe blow to the tourism industry. In 2020 and 2021, international arrivals dropped by more than 70% globally. However, it looks like 2022 will be the lifeline of the tourism economy.

Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have served to deal a severe blow to the tourism industry. In 2020 and 2021, international arrivals dropped by more than 70% globally. However, it looks like 2022 will be the lifeline of the tourism economy.

The data supports it. It is a golden time to seek a job in tourism. But not everyone is happy with this return of tourism. Find out with us how this important sector is making a comeback.

An accelerated tourism recovery

2022 will be a turning point for tourism. Globally, three times as many people have travelled during the first four months of the year than in the same period of 2021. Moreover, most of the tourists were concentrated in March. This shows that the recovery is accelerating.

The removal of restrictions and the growth in confidence have given a solid boost to the tourism sector. With summer knocking on the door, the outlook is very positive.

However, international tourism still remains below 61% compared to 2019. Although many countries have lifted their restrictions, the large Chinese market remains closed to the outside world. The war between Russia and Ukraine does not help either. Rising fuel prices due to the conflict are hampering tourism at all levels.

Europe leads the comeback

According to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Europe has quadrupled its figures for the same period the previous year in 2022. The Americas are also in good shape, with twice as many travellers as in 2021. This is good news for those looking for jobs in hospitality in countries in these regions.

Let’s take a look at some of the countries that have recovered the best:

  • Spain. In the Mediterranean country, 2022 is coming as a very positive surprise. It is already at 87% of 2019 data. The Canary and Balearic Islands are leading the recovery, with figures close to pre-pandemic levels. Most travellers arrive from the European Union.

  • Greece. With one of the best recoveries in 2021, the Baltic country expects to reach a situation of total normality in the tourism sector during 2022. Its biggest challenge is that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine does not harm summer season data.

  • The United Arab Emirates. The recovery of tourism is coming with a vengeance to Dubai. In addition to its tourist attractions, the country stands out for its security and its strong response to the pandemic crisis. Tourism data already exceeds 2019 levels.

  • The Dominican Republic. Recognized as an example to the world by the UNWTO, the Latin American country has improved its 2019 data. In fact, they expect to surpass their record number of tourists. By 2022, more than 7 million visitors could arrive in the country for the first time.

  • Mexico. Another country that is standing out in this recovery is Mexico. In the first quarter of 2022, it surpassed 5 million tourists. It is only 7% away from reaching its pre-pandemic figures. The summer is expected to be a good season with the good figures that the Caribbean area is reaping.

Mass tourism causes suspicion

This news is not positive for everyone. Movements against mass tourism are gaining strength in cities such as Barcelona or Venice after a period in which the presence of visitors has been minimal. In recent years, the negative effect of mass tourism on local communities has been highlighted.

But we cannot deny that this sector is also a strong economic driver in many areas. Therefore, the return of global tourism is a great opportunity to rethink the tourism model we seek.

The idea is to find the complex balance between two needs. On one hand, to allow foreigners to visit the country, get to know the culture and, incidentally, spend money on local businesses. On the other hand, to preserve local communities and ecosystems by allowing the flow of money to support the destination.

According to several experts, tourism could reach 2019 levels by 2023. At the latest, by 2024. And it’s not crazy to think they will be surpassed. After so long with the world standing still, the logical reaction is for us to jump at the chance.

Whatever the future holds for tourism, the fact is that the recovery cannot be stopped. Millions of tourists are looking for their new destination, so the industry is full of vacancies. Whether you are looking in your country or on the other side of the world, Jobstoday.world is at your side to help you find the best job for you. 

See more:

  • Bartender jobs can make you win good money now that tourism is rebounding back.

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