UNWTO Reports: International Tourism Nears Full Recovery Post-Pandemic

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UNWTO Reports: International Tourism Nears Full Recovery Post-Pandemic

By Author

Published on December 2, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, the world of international tourism is buzzing with optimism. The latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects that global tourism is set to rebound to nearly 90% of its pre-pandemic strength. This resurgence is a testament to the sector's resilience and the growing wanderlust among travellers eager to rediscover the world's wonders.

From January to September 2023, international tourism experienced a remarkable upsurge. Approximately 975 million tourists ventured abroad, marking a significant 38% increase compared to the same months in 2022. This spike reflects a renewed enthusiasm for global exploration and cultural exchange.

The UNWTO's World Tourism Barometer revealed more heartening news. International tourist arrivals in the third quarter of 2023 saw a 22% increase year-on-year, with the Northern Hemisphere's summer season witnessing particularly strong travel demand. July 2023 emerged as a highlight, with a 92% recovery rate—the most robust since the pandemic began. By September, the overall sector surged to 87% of pre-pandemic levels, setting the stage for a hopeful 90% recovery by the year's end.

In financial terms, international tourism receipts are expected to reach around USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, remarkably close to the USD 1.5 trillion recorded in 2019. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili remarked on the sector's near-complete recovery from COVID-19, emphasising its crucial role for destinations and communities reliant on tourism.

However, recovery rates vary across regions. The Middle East notably surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 20% through September 2023, thanks to strategic tourism investments and hosting large-scale events. Europe also showed strong recovery, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by intra-regional demand and interest from the United States.

Africa and the Americas are not far behind, with 92% and 88% recovery, respectively. The Americas, in particular, benefited from robust demand from the United States, especially in the Caribbean.

Contrastingly, Asia and the Pacific have been slower to recover, achieving only 62% of pre-pandemic levels. South Asia, however, stands out with a 95% recovery, while North-East Asia lags at about 50%.

Despite economic headwinds such as high inflation and geopolitical tensions, the UNWTO remains optimistic. The organisation anticipates a full return to pre-pandemic tourism levels by 2024, propelled by the industry's current momentum and enthusiasm.

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Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.

With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."

From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.