The global travel industry is poised to fully recover from the Covid-19 pandemic this month, with international arrivals reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to the U.N. Tourism. The Middle East saw a remarkable 29% increase in arrivals, driven by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. While Africa and Europe have fully recovered, the Americas are at 97%, and Asia-Pacific lags at 85% due to slow Chinese traveler returns. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to become a global growth hub, with air passengers projected to double by 2042, spurring hospitality expansion, especially from major brands like Hilton and Marriott.
