Summer 2023: Summer of Travel

If summer 2022 was the summer of "Revenge Travel," then summer 2023 is simply the summer of travel.
Already in May, Portugal hit an all-time record for foreign tourists at 1.8 million.
Source: Reuters
International tourist arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023...
Source: UNWTO
The Middle East is the first world region to recover pre-pandemic tourist arrivals numbers in a full quarter.
Source: UNWTO
The annual Hajj pilgrimage returned to full capacity for the first time since the pandemic.
Source: Associated Press
Trips for tourism in China during June's Dragon Boat Festival climbed 32.3% from a year earlier to an estimated 106 million, 12.8% above the pre-pandemic level.
Source: Reuters
Thailand's economy is projected to grow 3.9% this year, up from a previous forecast of 3.6, thanks in part to its tourism recovery.
Source: World Bank
But as tourism returns, so do fears of overtourism, especially in popular destinations.
Portofino will fine tourists for lingering in newly established “red” zones between €68 and €275 during the day.
Source:Travel & Leisure
The media was abuzz last week over rumors that Dubrovnik tourists would be banned from dragging wheeled suitcases, drawing attention to the issue of noise pollution.
All of human travel puts stress on nature...
A new study found that animals traveled 73% farther during the initial COVID lockdowns.
Source: NPR/Nature
As we celebrate the return of tourism, how can we make it more sustainable while still advancing economic development and global cooperation?