The 2024 edition of OECD Tourism Trends and Policies analyses the latest tourism performance and policy trends across 50 OECD countries and partner economies. It takes stock of the tourism economy’s recovery post-pandemic and highlights the need for co-ordinated, forward-looking policies, as challenges remain to build momentum for a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future for the sector. Evidence on the significance of the tourism economy is presented, with data covering domestic, inbound, and outbound tourism, enterprises and employment, and internal tourism consumption. Tourism policy priorities, reforms and developments are analysed, and examples of country practices highlighted. Thematic chapters provide insights on strengthening the tourism workforce and building the evidence base for sustainable tourism policies.
The report underscores the sector’s pivotal role in driving economic prosperity, jobs and well-being, with tourism´s direct contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) bouncing back to 3.9% in 2022 in 20 OECD countries with available data, just half a percentage point down on 2019. Tourism also contributed 14.8% to service exports in 2022, still below pre-pandemic levels, but up from 9.7% in 2021. The evidence suggests that the recovery has continued since, spurred by the recovery in international arrivals and strong domestic performance.
In Colombia (up 34%) and Portugal (up 12%), international tourist arrivals reached new highs, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in 2023, but the recovery has been slower in countries like Australia, Finland, Japan and New Zealand.
The report recommends governments implement policies to:
Empower destinations to diversify and better manage visitor flows, to deliver better outcomes for the environment and local communities.
Integrate tourism workers’ needs into broader development strategies, ensuring access to affordable housing and transportation in remote areas.
Support tourism businesses to access financial aid and skills to adopt digital solutions, green business operations, and develop innovative work practices.
The article OECD: Tourism continues to recover from covid but faces renewed challenges first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.