"On a global scale, world tourism is on its way to reach at least 80% and maybe even 95% of the pre-pandemic level," Pololikashvili said at the 25th UNWTO General Assembly.
The number of tourists worldwide increased by 43% in January-July 2023 compared to the same period last year, reaching 700 million people, or 84% of the pre-pandemic level, he added.
The tourist flow to Europe and Africa has almost reached the level of 2019, and tourism in the Middle East has exceeded the pre-pandemic level, the secretary general said. Tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has also recovered rapidly, he added.
The 25th UNWTO General Assembly is taking place in Uzbekistan's Samarkand from October 16-20.