International travel is back to pre-pandemic levels, WTTC reveals

January 26, 2023

Julia_WTTC-Headshots-9-2-scaled-e1631709798474-1 — Julia Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of WTTC

As the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) opens its 22^nd Global Summit in Riyadh, a new global consumer survey has revealed that the appetite for international travel is now at its highest point since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic with consumers planning many trips.

What were the findings of the WTTC survey?

According to the survey of more than 26,000 consumers from 25 countries, conducted by YouGov for WTTC, 63% of these are reportedly planning a leisure trip in the next 12 months. The survey reveals that the appetite to travel shows no signs of slowing, with more than a quarter (27%) of consumers planning three or more trips over the same period of time.

Additionally, the WTTC survey shows that travellers from Australia will be the world’s biggest spenders when it comes to international travel over the next 12 months. Australians are travelling more than anyone else with jet setters from Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines also expected to spend more than other travellers from around the globe.

According to the YouGov ‘global tracker’, the attractiveness and positive impression of Saudi Arabia as a destination continues to grow, with the highest scores across the countries in the Persian Gulf region, along with destinations like Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

What was WTTC’s thoughts on the findings?

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said; “This global survey shows that international travel is back. As we kick off our Global Summit in Riyadh bringing together travel leaders and governments from around the world, travellers are getting ready to explore the world again. “The results of this survey show the importance of sustainable travel amongst consumers.”

Almost two thirds of those surveyed (61%) of consumers stated they prefer travel brands and destinations that are more sustainable, whilst almost half (45%) of them said they’ll only spend their hard-earned money with brands that are socially and environmentally responsible. This is revealed on the eve of the global tourism body’s highly anticipated event, the 22^nd Global Summit, which is set to welcome delegates from around the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.