Outbound travel experienced significant double-digit growth last yesr compared to the previous year, signifying progress towards reaching the travel levels of 2019. The increase of 33 percent from 2022 was only 12 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Encouragingly, Asia has witnessed a gradual return of outbound travelers, and there has been an upward trend in vacation travel. Despite the increase in travel expenses, there continues to be a strong interest in outbound travel this year. Notably, travel satisfaction is becoming an increasingly significant consideration.
Double-digit growth in outbound travel in 2023
In 2023, outbound travel in Asia experienced a significant growth of over 140%, driving the overall increase, as reported by the IPK International‘s World Travel Monitor. While still 37% lower than 2019 levels, this upward trend is notable. Europe saw an 18% increase in outbound travel compared to 2022, while North America and Latin America experienced growth rates of 31% and 27%, respectively. The US had the largest outbound travel volume in 2023, followed by Germany and the UK, which together accounted for one-third of the global outbound travel volume last year.
Outbound travel experienced significant growth in 2023, with a double-digit increase compared to the previous year. This progress indicates a significant step towards the pre-pandemic travel volume of 2019, as it falls just 12 percent short of the base year level. Particularly encouraging is the gradual return of outbound travelers in Asia and the increasing trend in vacation travel. Despite the rise in travel expenses, there is a notable high interest in outbound travel this year. Additionally, travel satisfaction is becoming increasingly crucial.
Most popular destinations in 2023 – Spain is most-visited again and Dubai highest-rated
Spain retains its position as the top global tourist destination with a visitor rate of nearly ten percent, closely followed by the USA. Dubai emerges as the highest-rated destination in 2023 according to IPK’s Destination Performance Index (DPI), compiled by the World Travel Monitor®. This index considers factors such as overall travel satisfaction, likelihood of recommending a destination to others, and desire to revisit. Dubai is joined by the Maldives, last year’s winner, South Africa, and Abu Dhabi among the five highest-rated destinations. In Europe, Austria and Switzerland claim the top spots.
Vacations are in demand – sun and beach destinations top the list
Compared to 2022, the market share of vacation trips increased once again in 2023. Vacations accounted for 75% of global outbound trips, with sun and beach vacations and city breaks being the most popular, each representing around one-third of the market. Round trips came in third place. Interestingly, the market shares of these three trip types have gone in different directions over the past three years, but have now returned to similar levels as in 2019. This suggests that the pandemic has not significantly altered people’s vacation preferences. In 2023, the primary motivations for outbound holiday trips were relaxation, sightseeing,
Air travel is the main form of transport
Air travel was the preferred mode of transportation for more than 60% of outbound travel in 2023, making it the most popular choice for international travel. However, it is important to mention that when asked about transportation at their destination, the majority of travelers reported using public transport. Additionally, one-fifth of respondents mentioned utilizing a rental car.
Significant rise in travel expenses in 2023
In 2023, travel expenses experienced an upward surge, primarily attributed to the heightened costs of air travel. Despite this, the median duration of stays remained consistent at approximately nine overnights. When queried about their travel experiences, the majority of respondents emphasized the significance of value for money, encompassing both positive and negative perspectives. Additionally, factors such as lodging, dining, and the surrounding natural environment were also deemed crucial by travelers.
Crisis fully over by the end of 2024
Certain travel destinations and markets have already bounced back to pre-2019 levels, while others are still struggling behind. By 2023, overcrowding became a problem once again in some places, with approximately one-third of survey participants expressing concerns about overcrowded destinations. Despite this, the most recent insights from the World Travel Monitor indicate optimistic global outbound travel trends for the next year, setting the stage for a complete recovery in nearly all markets and sectors by the end of 2024.
Visitors to ITB Berlin can gain further insights on the industry at the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 from 5 – 7 March. This year, the tourism industry’s leading think tank is providing orientation for tomorrow’s tourism industry at 17 theme tracks and on four stages. Fascinating lectures by Booking, TUI, Google, Phocuswright, World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), The Travel Foundation, Hotelplan Group, Breda University of Applied Science, Trigema and many others will take a practical look at the future of tourism.
SOURCE: ITB Berlin & IPK Intl: Outbound Travel Soared in 2023 BY: eTurboNews | eTN