Europe is predicted to make a full domestic tourism recovery in 2022, and internationally by 2025.
That’s according to a new report from the European Travel Commission. While domestic travel is projected to make a complete recovery this year, international arrivals to Europe are forecast to be 30 percent below 2019 volumes, due to the war in Ukraine.
A recent survey conducted by MMGY Travel Intelligence indicated 62 percent of US travelers planning to visit Europe stated concerns about the war in Ukraine spreading to nearby countries as a factor impacting plans.
Western Europe is expected to be the best performing region globally this year, according to the latest quarterly European Tourism Trends & Prospects report, published Wednesday. But it will still be 24 percent below 2019 levels.
Eastern Europe’s recovery has been pushed back to 2025 due to the war in Ukraine, with arrivals now forecast to be 43 percent lower in 2022 compared to 2019.
“The sector is steadily recovering from Covid-19 and there is cause for optimism,” said Luis Araujo, president of the commission. “Nevertheless, European tourism will have to maintain this fortitude throughout the year as Europe continues to deal with the significant fallout from the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict.”
The U.S. remains among the best performers of all long-haul source markets.
Meanwhile, there were “no immediate signs” Chinese tourists were returning to pre-pandemic levels any time soon.
Tags: coronavirus recovery, europe, tourism, ukraine