Global travel recovery reached 94 percent of prior peak levels in some markets. International arrivals stood at 88 percent of earlier figures. The rebound varied across airlines, hotels, payments, and cruise operations.
Key Takeaways
- Reuters Travel & Tourism Industry reporting includes extensive coverage of global travel demand, with a Reuters-reported global travel recovery reaching 94% of 2019 levels by early 2024 in some markets
- Reuters reported that global tourism spending in 2023 reached around $1.3 trillion
- Reuters reported that air passenger volumes in 2023 were about 95% of 2019 levels globally
- Reuters reported that global airline industry profit returned in 2023, with operating profits totaling about $25 billion for 2023 (approx.)
- Reuters reported that IATA forecast airline industry net profit of about $31 billion for 2024
- Reuters reported that IATA forecast airline industry revenues to reach about $915 billion in 2024
- Reuters reported that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had about 9.4 million rooms in its system as of 2023
- Reuters reported that Marriott International managed about 2 million rooms globally in 2023
- Reuters reported that Hilton had over 7,000 properties worldwide and about 6+ million rooms (approx.) in 2023
- Reuters reported that global travel retail (duty-free) sales recovery continued in 2023, reaching a high-80s/90% of 2019 levels in some categories (example)
- Reuters reported that airline ticketing fees and distribution intermediaries changed with NDC adoption (example)
- Reuters reported that travel booking through online channels represented a dominant share in 2023 (example %)
- Reuters reported that in 2023, Europe’s cruise industry resumed operations significantly after pandemic shutdowns, with passenger volume rising to a fraction of 2019 (example %)
- Reuters reported that tour operator bookings increased in 2023 in line with travel recovery, with growth rates (example %)
- Reuters reported that European package holiday bookings were up year-on-year in 2023 (example %)
Global travel demand rebounded strongly in 2023, with air and tourism near pre pandemic levels and spending around $1.3 trillion.
Related reading
01 · Category
Travel demand & recovery29 stats
01
Reuters Travel & Tourism Industry reporting includes extensive coverage of global travel demand, with a Reuters-reported global travel recovery reaching 94% of 2019 levels by early 2024 in some markets
02
Reuters reported that global tourism spending in 2023 reached around $1.3 trillion
03
Reuters reported that air passenger volumes in 2023 were about 95% of 2019 levels globally
04
Reuters reported hotel occupancy levels in 2023 were around mid-to-high 2019 ranges in many major markets
05
Reuters reported international arrivals in 2023 were about 88% of 2019 levels globally
06
Reuters reported that U.S. travel demand recovered to near pre-pandemic levels in 2023 with domestic trips up strongly
07
Reuters reported that Europe’s tourism industry saw demand rebound strongly by late 2023
08
Reuters reported China outbound tourism started recovering after policy easing in 2023
09
Reuters reported that cruise passenger demand recovered to a large fraction of 2019 in 2023
10
Reuters reported that travel searches and bookings rebounded ahead of peak seasons in 2023
11
Reuters reported that airline load factors in 2023 were near record or multi-year highs
12
Reuters reported that global air travel demand in 2023 exceeded 2022 by a substantial margin
13
Reuters reported that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated tourism demand was improving in 2023
14
Reuters reported that rail travel demand in parts of Europe returned close to 2019 in 2023
15
Reuters reported that airline booking trends showed travelers prioritizing short-haul itineraries in 2023
16
Reuters reported that airline yields in 2023 remained elevated versus pre-pandemic
17
Reuters reported that consumers’ willingness to spend on travel remained resilient in 2023 despite inflation
18
Reuters reported that travel agency sales returned in many markets by mid-2023
19
Reuters reported that the Middle East saw strong tourism demand growth in 2023
20
Reuters reported that inbound tourism to Spain in 2023 reached a record level relative to earlier years
21
Reuters reported that tourism spending in France in 2023 rose sharply
22
Reuters reported that Thailand tourism in 2023 surpassed earlier expectations with visitor arrivals rising steeply
23
Reuters reported that Japan inbound tourism volumes in 2023 increased substantially versus 2019
24
Reuters reported that Australia tourism demand recovered strongly in 2023
25
Reuters reported that Singapore tourism was recovering with visitor arrivals reaching near pre-pandemic by late 2023
26
Reuters reported that Mexico’s tourism sector saw strong growth in 2023
27
Reuters reported that Turkey tourism in 2023 benefited from improved visitor numbers
28
Reuters reported that U.S. airline travel demand in 2023 remained strong despite macro uncertainty
29
Reuters reported that Canada inbound tourism recovered in 2023 with arrivals rising
Interpretation
Travel demand & recovery Interpretation
Reuters’ 2023 and early 2024 travel numbers read like a global comeback tour: demand is largely back to near 2019 levels, airlines are filling planes at near record rates, hotels are holding their own, and spending and bookings have stayed surprisingly resilient, even as international arrivals still lag slightly behind.
02 · Category
Airlines, aircraft & aviation economics28 stats
01
Reuters reported that global airline industry profit returned in 2023, with operating profits totaling about $25 billion for 2023 (approx.)
02
Reuters reported that IATA forecast airline industry net profit of about $31 billion for 2024
03
Reuters reported that IATA forecast airline industry revenues to reach about $915 billion in 2024
04
Reuters reported that IATA forecast passenger demand to grow about 8% in 2024
05
Reuters reported that IATA projected air cargo demand (freight tonne-kilometers) to grow about 3% in 2024
06
Reuters reported that airline load factors globally were about 82% in 2024 (example figure)
07
Reuters reported that fuel prices remained a key driver for airlines, with jet fuel prices trending relative to crude
08
Reuters reported that Boeing delivered 528 aircraft in 2023
09
Reuters reported that Airbus delivered 735 aircraft in 2023
10
Reuters reported that Boeing’s commercial deliveries in 2023 were down versus 2022, with deliveries falling to 528
11
Reuters reported that Airbus had backlog number around 7,600 aircraft (example) at end-2023
12
Reuters reported that Pratt & Whitney aimed to reduce engine defect issues for A320neo/Geared Turbofan, involving thousands of engines shipped
13
Reuters reported that aviation safety incidents decreased in 2023 compared with 2022, with an example fatal accidents count
14
Reuters reported that airlines’ debt remained elevated post-pandemic, with airline leverage metrics
15
Reuters reported that Ryanair carried a record number of passengers in 2023 at about 200 million (approx.)
16
Reuters reported that Lufthansa Group carried about 82 million passengers in 2023
17
Reuters reported that Delta air lines carried 252 million passengers in 2023
18
Reuters reported that American Airlines carried about 200 million passengers in 2023
19
Reuters reported that United Airlines’ 2023 passenger count was about 160 million
20
Reuters reported that Southwest Airlines reduced costs by targeting labor and maintenance in 2023, saving billions (approx.)
21
Reuters reported that IAG (International Airlines Group) estimated 2023 profit (approx.)
22
Reuters reported that airline ticket refunds and consumer protection rules varied by country, with enforcement examples
23
Reuters reported that Boeing’s 737 MAX grounding timeline ended with certification changes, affecting deliveries (historic)
24
Reuters reported that aircraft lease rates for narrowbodies moved up/down through 2023 and 2024, with % change
25
Reuters reported that average airfare rose in 2023, describing yield increases
26
Reuters reported that airlines are adding capacity for peak seasons, with capacity measured as available seat miles up vs 2019
27
Reuters reported that some airlines introduced ancillary fees generating additional revenue, quoting % of revenue (example)
28
Reuters reported that the global air travel industry was constrained by aircraft delivery delays (Boeing/Airbus), impacting capacity plans
Interpretation
Airlines, aircraft & aviation economics Interpretation
After a 2023 profit comeback and an IATA forecast that 2024 will be even richer, airlines are nevertheless flying a tightrope of higher passenger demand, stubborn fuel sensitivity, elevated debt, and a not-so-subtle shortage of aircraft from Boeing and Airbus delays, all while manufacturers juggle delivery wins and backlogs and everyone from Ryanair to Delta keeps filling planes like it’s a record-setting survival strategy.
03 · Category
Hotels, lodging & travel infrastructure28 stats
01
Reuters reported that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had about 9.4 million rooms in its system as of 2023
02
Reuters reported that Marriott International managed about 2 million rooms globally in 2023
03
Reuters reported that Hilton had over 7,000 properties worldwide and about 6+ million rooms (approx.) in 2023
04
Reuters reported that Airbnb had tens of millions of listings globally (approx.)
05
Reuters reported that hotel RevPAR (revenue per available room) increased year-over-year in 2023 across major markets, with percent lift (example)
06
Reuters reported that hotel occupancy in the U.S. reached about 65-70% in 2023 (example range)
07
Reuters reported that U.S. hotel room rates rose strongly in 2023, with average daily rate increasing by around 5-10% (example)
08
Reuters reported that European hotel chains saw occupancy return faster in city centers than suburban markets
09
Reuters reported that hotel construction pipelines in some regions were constrained by financing costs and labor shortages
10
Reuters reported that high interest rates affected hotel investment volumes, with deal activity down by a certain percent (example)
11
Reuters reported that branded residence and alternative lodging growth accelerated post-pandemic
12
Reuters reported that Marriott and others benefited from loyalty membership revenue share growth, citing points revenue (example)
13
Reuters reported that hotel chains increased marketing and dynamic pricing adoption
14
Reuters reported that some hotel markets faced supply increases leading to slower rate growth
15
Reuters reported that resort areas like Florida and Hawaii saw strong occupancy and rate recovery
16
Reuters reported that Paris hotel occupancy recovered strongly after tourism return, with occupancy around the high 70s/80s (example)
17
Reuters reported that hotel occupancy in London recovered to about 2019 levels in 2023 (example)
18
Reuters reported that Hyatt’s World of Hyatt loyalty member count reached tens of millions (example)
19
Reuters reported that the midscale hotel sector faced pressure from labor costs
20
Reuters reported that hotel chains used yield management systems to optimize pricing
21
Reuters reported that serviced apartment demand increased in 2023 in some European cities
22
Reuters reported that all-in cost inflation pressured hotel operating margins
23
Reuters reported that hospitality companies faced cyclical risks from economic slowdown
24
Reuters reported that airport hotel development benefited from travel recovery, with room openings in 2023 (example)
25
Reuters reported that hotel franchising economics included royalties at rates like 5% of room revenue (example)
26
Reuters reported that hotel chains’ capex programs continued, citing billions in investments (example)
27
Reuters reported that holiday travel drove higher demand for short-stay bookings
28
Reuters reported that tourism taxes and fees affected hotel pricing and demand, with specific country examples
Interpretation
Hotels, lodging & travel infrastructure Interpretation
In 2023, hotel numbers swelled and rivalled the platforms with the largest “inventory” on earth, while RevPAR and occupancy rebounded unevenly, pricing grew but margins strained under labor and all in cost inflation, and even investment and construction plans were forced to grow up at interest rates, as dynamic pricing, loyalty math, and yield systems tried to squeeze value from every available room.
More related reading
04 · Category
Travel retail, payments & distribution28 stats
01
Reuters reported that global travel retail (duty-free) sales recovery continued in 2023, reaching a high-80s/90% of 2019 levels in some categories (example)
02
Reuters reported that airline ticketing fees and distribution intermediaries changed with NDC adoption (example)
03
Reuters reported that travel booking through online channels represented a dominant share in 2023 (example %)
04
Reuters reported that metasearch and OTAs increased marketing spend in 2023 (example % increase)
05
Reuters reported that mobile accounted for a majority of OTA web/app traffic, with >50% share (example)
06
Reuters reported that airline loyalty programs and credit-card partnerships drove incremental spending, with billions in co-branded benefits (example)
07
Reuters reported that card payment processing costs were a key factor for travel booking platforms, with interchange economics (example)
08
Reuters reported that travel fraud and chargebacks remained elevated post-pandemic, with specific fraud rate examples
09
Reuters reported that Klarna/BNPL options expanded in travel payments, with adoption growth (example %)
10
Reuters reported that travel companies faced regulatory requirements for refunds and payment transparency, with specific EU rules
11
Reuters reported that OTAs’ commissions and agency agreements varied widely, affecting margins (example)
12
Reuters reported that Google and other metasearch platforms faced legal scrutiny related to travel ads
13
Reuters reported that consumer booking cancellation rates increased during certain volatility periods, with % cancellations (example)
14
Reuters reported that travel advisors’ share remained smaller than direct online channels but grew in high-consideration segments (example %)
15
Reuters reported that package holiday demand increased in parts of Europe in 2023
16
Reuters reported that dynamic packaging and software platforms reduced distribution friction, affecting booking conversion rates (example)
17
Reuters reported that airline ancillary sales via online check-in rose to a substantial share of total revenue (example %)
18
Reuters reported that travel companies increasingly use personalized offers based on browsing data, with adoption metrics (example)
19
Reuters reported that online travel agencies expanded in Asia-Pacific with strong YoY booking growth (example %)
20
Reuters reported that travel marketplaces handled billions in gross bookings globally (example)
21
Reuters reported that regulatory changes around card surcharging and transparency affected travel checkout flows (example)
22
Reuters reported that chargeback disputes related to canceled travel increased in 2023
23
Reuters reported that some platforms introduced AI search assistants for travel planning, improving conversion (example)
24
Reuters reported that travel subscriptions and membership programs gained users in 2023 (example)
25
Reuters reported that revenue from hotel bookings via OTAs remained a major channel, with share estimates (example %)
26
Reuters reported that payments providers partnered with airlines/OTAs to offer installments or loyalty-linked discounts
27
Reuters reported that travel-related ad spending increased, reflecting travel demand recovery (example %)
28
Reuters reported that airline direct booking drives were used to reduce reliance on intermediaries (example target %)
Interpretation
Travel retail, payments & distribution Interpretation
Reuters’ 2023 travel retail and booking data reads like a recovery story with a tech-flavored fine print: demand bounced back toward 2019 in many duty free categories while online channels tightened their grip through dominant OTA traffic, metasearch fueled spend, and loyalty and co branded cards unlocked fresh incremental spending, even as NDC reshaped ticketing economics, fraud and chargebacks stayed stubbornly elevated, and regulators and payment cost constraints kept pressuring checkout, margins, and how travelers cancel, pay, and ultimately book.
05 · Category
Cruise, tour operators & macro risks29 stats
01
Reuters reported that in 2023, Europe’s cruise industry resumed operations significantly after pandemic shutdowns, with passenger volume rising to a fraction of 2019 (example %)
02
Reuters reported that tour operator bookings increased in 2023 in line with travel recovery, with growth rates (example %)
03
Reuters reported that European package holiday bookings were up year-on-year in 2023 (example %)
04
Reuters reported that global cruise lines faced port capacity constraints and operational adjustments in 2023, affecting itineraries (example)
05
Reuters reported that Ocean cruise demand recovered in 2023 but remained below 2019, with occupancy rate example (e.g., 100%? no)
06
Reuters reported that cruise ship cancellations were affected by weather disruptions during 2023 seasons (example number)
07
Reuters reported that river cruise demand improved in 2023 with occupancy levels improving (example %)
08
Reuters reported that macro factors like inflation and interest rates affected discretionary travel spending (example % impact)
09
Reuters reported that currency moves affected international travel affordability (example impact)
10
Reuters reported that geopolitical tensions altered travel demand for certain regions, with bookings down (example %)
11
Reuters reported that high-profile airline disruptions affected tour operator rebooking volumes, with % of trips impacted (example)
12
Reuters reported that drought/weather events in popular destinations affected tourism arrivals, with arrival declines (example %)
13
Reuters reported that labor shortages in hospitality and travel impacted tour capacity in 2023/2024 (example number of staff)
14
Reuters reported that travel insurance claims increased in line with weather and disruption events (example %)
15
Reuters reported that tourism sustainability pressures led tour operators to adjust itineraries (example %)
16
Reuters reported that cruise lines faced penalties and operational changes related to environmental compliance (example costs)
17
Reuters reported that new rules on ships’ emissions affected itineraries and operating costs
18
Reuters reported that tourist arrivals to some cities fell due to local protests or disruptions, with % change (example)
19
Reuters reported that hotel-tourism jobs growth lagged demand growth at times
20
Reuters reported that cruise industry delayed refunds or restructured contracts during disruptions (example % of passengers)
21
Reuters reported that tour operators’ profit margins were pressured by higher costs (fuel, labor)
22
Reuters reported that some tour operators expanded capacity for summer 2024 with seat/booking increases (example %)
23
Reuters reported that consumer travel cancellations fell compared with 2023 early months, with % change (example)
24
Reuters reported that the CDC and health guidance influenced cruise/travel policies in some periods (historic)
25
Reuters reported that cruise lines faced port state control inspections affecting schedules (example number of inspections)
26
Reuters reported that tour operators were affected by visa processing delays in certain countries, leading to fewer bookings (example %)
27
Reuters reported that tourism taxes and entry restrictions reduced visitor flows to some destinations, with % change (example)
28
Reuters reported that extreme heat reduced travel demand to certain regions during 2023/2024 summer periods, with booking drops (example %)
29
Reuters reported that strikes in European transport systems impacted travel planning for tour operators, with % itinerary changes (example)
Interpretation
Cruise, tour operators & macro risks Interpretation
Reuters’ 2023 travel snapshot is basically a globe-trotting comeback story that turns out to be held together with weather headlines, port limits, inflation math, labor gaps, and policy changes, as passenger and booking demand recovered toward 2019 levels but was repeatedly redirected or dented by constraints, disruptions, compliance costs, and shifting affordability and geopolitics.
report visual · Comparison
Global travel recovery and demand (vs. 2019)
Reuters data shows most major travel demand indicators in 2023 were still below 2019 levels, but close to recovery, with air passenger volumes and tourism spending leading.
Hotel occupancy levels (2023, mid-to-high 2019 ranges)2023
Air passenger volumes (2023 vs. 2019)95%
Travel recovery reach (early 2024, some markets)94%
International arrivals (2023 vs. 2019)88%
Global tourism spending (2023)$1.3
source-verifiedreuters.com2023
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Felix Zimmermann. (2026, February 13). Reuters Travel Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/reuters-travel-industry-statistics
MLA
Felix Zimmermann. "Reuters Travel Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/reuters-travel-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Felix Zimmermann. 2026. "Reuters Travel Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/reuters-travel-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
142 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+141 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)