Divergence of Trajectories of Inbound Tourism Recovery in the European and Asia-Pacific Regions

A comparative analysis of the dynamics and determinants of international inbound tourism flows in the European and Asia-Pacific regions during 2020–2024 revealed divergence of the trajectories of their recovery and development. The study is based on data from the UN Tourism, Eurostat, Statista, and national statistical services. Statistical analysis, comparative approach and market share calculation were used to assess the contribution of key leading countries and subregions to global tourist flows. The European Region, especially Western Europe, has shown a faster recovery, reaching and exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with a cumulative share of 38.76% of global arrivals in 2024. At the same time, Asia-Pacific countries have recovered unevenly, with their combined share declining from 16.61% (2020) to 13.4% (2024), partly due to a greater focus on domestic tourism (up to 86% of total flows) and persistent structural barriers. The study revealed a significant divergence in the post-crisis development of tourism: Europe retains leadership in inbound tourism due to diversification of supply and export orientation, while the Asia-Pacific region chiefly focuses on the domestic market. The results highlight the impact of structural factors, such as economic policies, infrastructure and the structure of tourism demand, on the resilience of tourism markets.