world tourism barometer 2019

By Bastian Herre, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser

Tourism has massively increased in recent decades. Aviation has opened up travel from domestic to international. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international visits had more than doubled since 2000.

Tourism can be important for both the travelers and the people in the countries they visit.

For visitors, traveling can increase their understanding of and appreciation for people in other countries and their cultures.

And in many countries, many people rely on tourism for their income. In some, it is one of the largest industries.

But tourism also has externalities: it contributes to global carbon emissions and can encroach on local environments and cultures.

On this page, you can find data and visualizations on the history and current state of tourism across the world.

Interactive Charts on Tourism

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International tourism showed robust performance in January-September 2022, with arrivals reaching 63% of pre-pandemic levels in the first nine months of 2022. The results were driven by strong pent-up demand, lifting of travel restrictions of more destinations, as well as improvement of confidence levels.

Read more of the recent world tourism barometer here: UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, Volume 20, Issue 6, November 2022

Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals more than triple (+230%) from January to September 2022 compared to same period last year, reflecting the opening of many destinations in the region, including Japan.

Aside from increasing tourist arrivals, other industry indicators such as air capacity and hotel metrics are showing robust recovery for tourism. Air seat capacity on international routes (measured in available seat-kilometres or ASKs) in January-August reached 62% of 2019 levels, with Europe (78%) and the Americas (76%) posting the strongest results. Meanwhile, according to STR, global hotel occupancy rates reached 66% in September 2022, from 43% in January.

Industry metrics can be viewed collectively in UNWTO’s Tourism Recovery Tracker . The UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker is available for free and is a collaborative effort by a group of partners including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ForwardKeys, STR, Sojern, TCI Research and AIRDNA.

In terms of tourist numbers, the year 2022 is expected to close with over 900 million international arrivals, despite growing challenges pointing to a softening of the recovery pace.

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Going global – Travel and the 2019 novel coronavirus

Since 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) has made five declarations of disease outbreaks considered Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC): the 2009H1N1 (or swine flu) pandemic, the 2014 polio declaration, the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa, the 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic and, as of 17 July 2019, the Kivu Ebola epidemic which began in 2018 [ 1 , 2 ]. Now, on January 30, 2020, after two meetings (the first on January 22 and 23) and a careful assessment of the situation, the Emergency Committee (EC) declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) in the People's Republic of China a PHEIC [ 1 ]. Convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), the EC considered exportations to other countries and gave evidenced-based advice to the Director-General to support the final decision. The EC provided public health advice and recommendations in the midst of this outbreak [ 1 ].

The zoonotic spillover seen during this outbreak [ 3 ] has been previously witnessed with other coronaviruses pathogenic for human beings, four of them causing mild respiratory and intestinal disease, but two previously causing major concerns. The first, is the coronavirus causing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), that emerged as a global outbreak from China between November 2002 and July 2003. That epidemic, resulted in 8098 cases, with 774 deaths (9.6%) reported in 17 countries [ 4 ]. In fact, the PHEIC designation was created following an update to the International Health Regulations (2005) after that outbreak.

Only a decade later, in April 2012, in Saudi Arabia, the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) affected 24 countries, primarily in the Middle East. The MERS-CoV resulted in over 1200 cases of the virus and over 400 deaths [ 5 ].

Both viruses, primarily infect bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes [ 6 ]. However, SARS-CoV uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor and primarily infects also ciliated bronchial epithelial cells ( Fig. 1 ) [ [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] ], whereas MERS-CoV uses dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4; also known as CD26) as a receptor and infects unciliated bronchial epithelial cells ( Fig. 1 ) [ 6 , [11] , [12] , [13] ]. Structural analyses apparently predict that 2019-nCoV uses also the ACE2 as its host receptor ( Fig. 1 ) [ 9 , 10 , 14 ]. Recent studies suggest that the 2019-nCoV does not use other coronavirus receptors, aminopeptidase N and DPP4/CD26 [ 10 ].

Differences between bronchial epithelial cells infected and known receptors for SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV and the potential receptor for 2019-nCoV.

Now, once again, the world faces the emergence of a new pathogen, another coronavirus, with a more important outbreak in terms of number of cases and deaths, compared to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV [ 15 ]. Certainly, the 2019-nCoV represents a big threat to global health, with a growing number of cases, as reported by WHO ( https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/ ), requiring coordinated efforts, research and development in counter measures, sharing scientific knowledge and information to mitigate the impact of such situation [ 16 ].

After the first cases in Wuhan, Hubei province, the growth of the outbreak was predictable nationally and internationally. Recent data analyses showed that domestic train transportation significantly correlated with the number of imported cases to other provinces in China [ 17 ]. But, with Wuhan Airport having non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 113 destinations in 22 countries, in addition to the 78 domestic flights, international imported cases began to occur especially in Asia, but also abroad [ 18 , 19 ]. Furthermore, Beijing Capital International Airport, the largest airport in China, has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 233 destinations in 54 countries and 127 domestic flights, including four direct routes, just two hours away, in addition to 20 routes with 1 stop, via Jinan, Changzhi, Dongying, and other major cities in China, including the largest city of Shanghai.

Travelers have played a significant role in bringing new cases to other countries, with confirmed ongoing human-to-human transmission [ 14 , [20] , [21] , [22] ], and also transmission from asymptomatic individuals, as has occurred recently in Germany [ 22 , 23 ].

Following the first reports of cases of 2019-nCoV, cases have now been detected in many countries in Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, Finland, and Sweden. As this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation with ongoing outbreak investigations, the European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC) is closely monitoring this outbreak and providing risk assessments to guide European Union (EU) Member States and the EU Commission in their response activities [ 24 ]. The ECDC has developed multiple documents in response, including technical reports, statements, risk assessments, algorithms, among others, related to diagnosis, management, and prevention [ [25] , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ].

2. United Kingdom

Travel patterns between the UK and China are well established; in an analysis of air travel from cities in China to international destinations in 2019, nine of the ten cities receiving the highest volumes of arriving passengers were in Asia, with London (UK), ranking 10th [ 18 ]. Of the 62.9 million tourist arrivals to China in 2018, the majority of these would have been from the Asia Pacific Region, but an estimated 4% were from Europe [ 31 ], and a large proportion of the latter would have been from the UK where an estimated 393,532 UK residents travelled to China [ 32 ].

China is also the world's largest spender on international tourism, with around 10% of China's 1.4 billion residents travelling internationally (WTO). In 2018, 391,380 visits would have been to the UK [ 32 ].

With the scale of travel between the UK and China, UK travel health professionals are used to advising those travelling to China. However, the outbreak of 2019-nCoV with the evolving epidemiological picture has added some complexities; rapidly changing case numbers, travellers exporting cases, shifting government advice based on logistics rather than public health risk, and media scare stories to name but a few.

In common with many other countries, UK travel health advice and public health messaging has been changing repeatedly since late December 2019 to early January 2020 with the first reports of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China [ 33 ], to the present day when 24,554 cases have been confirmed globally. Currently, Public Health England's (PHE's) assessment of the impact of the disease is moderate, and based on limited available information on the transmission of the disease, the risk to the UK population is considered moderate [ 34 ].

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to Hubei Province, and all but ‘essential travel’ to the rest of mainland China [ 35 ]. For those already in China, it advises that those that are able to leave the country should do so [ 35 ]; with the developing situation, and the suspension of flights by some airlines to and from mainland China it may become harder to access departure options over the coming weeks. Indeed, in light of the severity of travel restrictions in Hubei Province, and difficulty accessing medical assistance, the FCO assisted the departure for those who were in Hubei Province [ 36 ].

Alongside the FCO's advice on decisions to travel, the UK's National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) provides travel health advice. This advice is available directly on its website TravelHealthPro ( https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ ), or where more specialist advice is needed - through a dedicated phone advice line for healthcare providers. In addition to pre-existing travel health information for travel to China, TravelHealthPro has produced news items to help travellers keep pace with the evolving nature of this outbreak; particularly important when this outbreak has coincided with the national holiday of Chinese New Year, when large numbers of UK travellers will have planned to visit China. Outbreak information is updated daily so that data on cases to other countries can also be tracked. These resources appear to be reaching a large audience – with pageviews to the TravelHealthPro website hitting a new record of 80,000 in one day, and pageviews of the China-specific advice page increasing by over 400% - from 9000 views in January 2019, to over 45,000 in January 2020 [unpublished data]. Anecdotally calls to the advice line regarding the outbreak have also increased and this trend is likely to continue as 2019-nCoV cases increase in travel destinations out with China. These early signals of high public concern can help frontline clinical staff in their preparations for potentially similar increases in consultations, and the resources and capacity building this may require.

The importance of timely, accurate and context-specific risk communication during public health emergencies is increasingly being recognized, particularly with rapid changes in how people consume media. The WHO has produced useful guidance on communicating risk in such situations, which draws on experiences from previous PHEIC [ 37 ]. Good risk communication allows people to know from trusted sources in real-time the risks they may face, and any protective measures they can take to help minimise this.

UK communications are providing advice to both the public and health professionals that covers a range of eventualities including asymptomatic travellers returning from Wuhan, symptomatic travellers returning from elsewhere in China, and those who have had contact with a confirmed 2019-nCoV case. The advice includes specific details around self-isolation and who to contact [ 38 ].

Box 1 shows the accompanying more general advice about reducing spread of respiratory viruses [ 39 ] and Box 2 UK advice for asymptomatic and symptomatic travellers returning from China.

General UK advice for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.

• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport.
• • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• • If you feel unwell, stay at home, do not attend work or school.
• • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin.
• • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.

Alt-text: Box 1

UK advice for asymptomatic and symptomatic travellers returning from China.

Guidance for asymptomatic UK travellers returning from Hubei Province in the last 14 days:

• • Immediately stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.
• • Call NHS 111 [a national non-emergency telephone number] to inform them of your recent travel to the area.

Guidance for symptomatic UK travellers returning from elsewhere in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand in the last 14 days:

• • If develop symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately:
• • Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu.
• • Call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country.

Both groups for 14 days after returning to the UK:

• • Don't go to work, school or public areas.
• • Where possible, avoid having visitors to your home, but it's ok to have food/medicine dropped off on your behalf.
• • Don't use public transport or taxis.
• • Where possible, contact a friend or family member to take your children to school.

Alt-text: Box 2

A blog run by Public Health England (PHE) is a good example of real-time risk communication as it allows readers to post questions which have then been answered by the blog editor the same day. For example, a question posed about the use of masks for the UK public received a same day response that there is little evidence of their widespread benefit from use outside of clinical settings, and people concerned would do better to prioritize good personal, respiratory and hand hygiene [ 34 ].

Good risk communication from official organizations helps travel health providers communicate and navigate risk with their clients. Consistency with in-country guidance will help reduce uncertainty and rumor. In rapidly changing outbreak situations such as this, travel health providers must be aware of where to get the latest official guidance, and be able to direct travellers to getting relevant local guidance. Box 3 provides a checklist for travel health providers to help guide consultations where there are concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

Checklist for travel health providers to help guide consultations surrounding 2019-nCoV.

• • Travellers should be aware of the latest official departing country advice about travel and the impact this may have on travel insurance coverage and medical repatriation costs in case of ill health from any cause.
• • Travellers should contact any travel agents or airlines to get the latest advice on any local travel restrictions or local authority guidance for preventive measures.
• • Vulnerable travellers (such as the elderly or those with co-morbidities) should be aware of their potentially increased risk of severe and possibly fatal infection.
• • Travellers should be advised to keep up to date with local or departing country advice throughout their trip as it has the potential to rapidly change.
• • Travellers should be aware that there may be enhanced screening/monitoring at entry and exit ports.
• • Travellers should be aware of returning country advice as to whether they need to self-isolate for a set period even if asymptomatic, and where to get help if they feel unwell within a set period of returning (often 14 days).

Alt-text: Box 3

3. United States

In the United States, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) are closely monitoring the situation in China, but also at home, with reported cases in Chicago, Illinois; San Benito, California; Santa Clara, California; Los Angeles, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Tempe, Arizona; Orange, California; and Seattle, Washington. As a consequence, the US CDC have also developed a pack of technical documents for healthcare professionals, including interim guides for the evaluation of patients under investigation for 2019-nCoV, for the prevention and control recommendations for patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV or patients under investigation for 2019-nCoV in healthcare settings, as well as guidance for implementing home care of people not requiring hospitalization for 2019-nCoV, among others [ 40 ].

4. Latin America

Many countries in other regions have not yet confirmed cases, but the number of suspected cases increases continuously showing that all territories and regions are at risk. This is the case in Latin America, which has increased cultural and population mobility with China as well as with Asia in general [ [41] , [42] , [43] ]. Intense travel traffic with countries that have already received confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV is seen, as is the case for United States and Spain. In this context, heightened preparedness and response is necessary in order to mitigate the impact of the introduction of this new coronavirus, as has been already doing the Latin American Society for Travel Medicine (SLAMVI) in this region [ 15 ].

5. Perspectives

No specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is currently available [ 40 ]. The clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures and supportive management of complications, including advanced organ support if indicated [ 40 ]. Cases in Vietnam, Thailand and United States [ 22 , 44 ], have been reported where patients received antivirals, such as remdesivir [ 44 ], among other drugs including oseltamivir; clinical trials of antivirals and vaccines are ongoing for MERS-CoV and one controlled trial of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir monotherapy for 2019-nCoV ( ChiCTR2000029308 ) [ 45 ], at the Wuhan's Jin Yintan Hospital [ 46 ] is in progress. In a historical control study [ 14 , 47 ], the combination of lopinavir and ritonavir among SARS-CoV patients was associated with substantial clinical benefit (fewer adverse clinical outcomes). Saudi Arabia initiated a placebo-controlled trial of interferon beta-1b, lopinavir, and ritonavir among patients with MERS infection [ 14 , 48 , 49 ]. In the first case of 2019-nCoV in the USA, the administration of remdesivir was considered for compassionate use based on the case patient's worsening clinical status. Certainly, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of remdesivir and any other investigational agents for treatment of patients with 2019-nCoV infection [ 44 ].

As has been recommended by the WHO, basic preventive measures against the new coronavirus, should be applied. Scientific information and evidence regarding multiples aspects of this outbreak and the virus change every day. Research papers and preprints are appearing every day as researchers worldwide respond to the outbreak [ 50 ]. As occurred with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, their epidemics stimulated a significant increase in scientific production in the world, including the most affected countries [ 16 ]. Clear communication, information and updated resources, for public health, infectious diseases and travel medicine practitioners are useful as most of these are constantly renewed with cutting-edge knowledge useful for evidence-based decisions to deal now [ 15 ], and in the upcoming weeks and months with this new emerging pathogen of world concern, the 2019-nCoV.

Declaration of competing interest

Facts, Stats & FAQs

Santa cruz county facts, stats, and faqs, fact sheet:.

Santa Cruz County is located on California’s Central Coast approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco; 30 miles southwest of San Jose; 40 miles north of Monterey; and 375 miles north of Los Angeles. Santa Cruz County is bordered by the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Mateo County to the north, the mountains and Santa Clara County to the east, the Pajaro River and Monterey County to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The elevation ranges from sea level to over 2,600 feet.

POPULATION/SIZE The total Santa Cruz County population is 276,603. The county is 441 square miles in size, and is comprised of four incorporated cities and several unincorporated towns.

Incorporated Cities: Population & Square Miles Capitola 9,918  – 1.6 Santa Cruz 59,946 – 12 Scotts Valley 11,580 – 4.6 Watsonville 51,199  – 5.9

Unincorporated Areas Unincorporated areas include Aptos, Ben Lomond, Bonny Doon, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Rio Del Mar, Soquel and Zayante. The unincorporated area population is 136,086.

CLIMATE Mild, with summer temperatures the mid-70s and winter temperatures in the mid-50s. Humidity is low for a coastal area. An average of 31 inches of rain falls annually, primarily between November and April. Occasional fog occurs along the coast in the summer months. The spring and fall months offer the most pleasant weather conditions.

INDUSTRIES Tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and technology.

AGRICULTURE Strawberries, raspberries, lettuce, apples, roses, cut flowers, landscape plants, Brussels sprouts and wine grapes.

TRANSPORTATION Santa Cruz County is served directly by Greyhound and Amtrak bus lines. Three commercial airports serve the surrounding areas of San Francisco, San Jose and Monterey. Watsonville Municipal Airport in southern Santa Cruz County serves corporate and private aircraft. Highways 1, 9, 17,129, 152 and 236 transverse Santa Cruz County.

PARKS AND BEACHES Santa Cruz County offers 14 state parks and beaches, dozens of local parks, beaches and preserves, and a national marine sanctuary. The county is home to California’s oldest state park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, which was established in 1902.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Santa Cruz County offers a myriad of recreational activities including surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, tide pooling, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, rock climbing, cycling, birding, golf, disc golf and more.

ARTS, CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Santa Cruz County’s arts scene is rich with museums, art galleries, performing arts companies, nightclubs and over 100 special events and festivals each year. Highlights include the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Open Studios Art Tours and many others.

FOOD AND WINE With Santa Cruz County’s mild, coastal climate and long growing season, regional chefs base their imaginative culinary offerings on the bounty of locally grown organic fruits and vegetables. Seafood caught in local waters and award-winning local wines round out the meals. There are more than 70 family-owned wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, many with public tasting rooms.

LODGING From luxurious resorts and country inns to budget motels and beachside campsites, Santa Cruz County offers an array of lodging options for travelers. The total number of lodging facilities in Santa Cruz County is 140. The total number of lodging units is 4,595.

VISITOR STATISTICS:

• Tourism is a $1.1 billion industry in Santa Cruz County (based upon 2019 figures)
• Average hotel occupancy for 2019 was 68.5 percent.
• The average room rate for 2019 was $166.18
• Average travel expenditures per person are $604.00 per trip or $151.00 per day. Per day spending per person averages $39.60 for lodging, $32.20 for meals, $17.40 for shopping, $10.20 for attractions/entertainment and $20.40 for other expenses*
• The average travel group consists of 5 people.*
• The average length of stay in 2019 is 2.4 nights.
• Santa Cruz County’s primary markets include the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley.

*Some figures are based upon 2014 Santa Cruz County Visitor Profile Conversion Study by Campbell Rinker Marketing Research.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the closest major airport? The closest airport is San Jose International Airport, which is 32 miles from Santa Cruz, or about a 45-minute drive.

How far is Santa Cruz from San Francisco? Monterey? Santa Cruz is approximately 70 miles south of San Francisco and 40 miles north of Monterey.

How large is Santa Cruz County? The county is 441 square miles, with 29 miles of beaches.

What are the most popular beaches? Main Beach, Cowell Beach, Seacliff State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, Capitola Beach.

What are the most popular surf spots? Steamer Lane, Cowell Beach, Pleasure Point.

What is the most visited attraction in Santa Cruz County? Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

When do the monarch butterflies visit Natural Bridges State Beach? Between October and February.

When do the grey whales pass through the Monterey Bay? Between January and March.

Do you have B-roll footage for Santa Cruz County? Yes. To request a copy, please fill out the  Request for Media Assistance Form .

The World’s 30 Least Powerful Passports in 2024

Published on april 28, 2024 at 10:35 pm by khadija shafaat khan in lists , news.

In this article, we will list and explore the world’s 30 least powerful passports in 2024. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to our list of The World’s 5 Least Powerful Passports in 2024 .

A strong passport is an asset in today’s world, providing its holders with benefits that go beyond travel freedom. The greater the global mobility a passport affords, the more it facilitates travel, mirroring deeper aspects of international diplomacy, economic health, and political stability of a nation. Our article 25 Most Powerful Passports in the World , presents a thorough analysis of countries with the most powerful passports around the world.

Do Passports Influence the Economic Potential?

Going into detail, a weak passport primarily restricts international travel by enforcing strict visa requirements and long processing times, limiting leisure, family visits, and business activities. This hampers entrepreneurs and professionals from attending international events, stifling innovation and growth, and complicates pursuing educational or professional opportunities abroad.

Focusing solely on tourism, the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2024 reports that global tourism in 2023 reached 88% of its pre-pandemic volume, with 1.3 billion international visitors. A full recovery is projected by the end of 2024, driven by increased flight options and stronger demand, especially in Asian markets. Regional performance varied: the Middle East exceeded its 2019 levels by 22%, Europe achieved 94%, Africa 96%, the Americas 90%, while Asia-Pacific lagged at 65%, with disparities within the region—South Asia at 87% and North-East Asia at 55%. Moreover, tourism revenues hit $1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of 2019’s $1.5 trillion. Including passenger transport, total tourism exports approached $1.6 trillion, roughly 95% of the $1.7 trillion from 2019. Tourism’s direct contribution to global GDP stood at $3.3 trillion, equating to 3% of global GDP.

Reiterating above statistics, regions that are more accessible to people from countries with stronger passports are likely to see quicker and more recovery and growth in tourism. In contrast, regions that rely majorly on tourists from countries with weaker passports might experience slower recovery and growth, as seen in the Asia-Pacific figures. This comparison underscores that counties with limited travel options, due to the weakness of their passports, may drastically experience reduced economic impacts and opportunities. Industry leaders including Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG ), The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU ), and Visa Inc (NYSE: V ), among others, can strengthen their positions in travel and financial services in weaker economies by tapping into the demand for domestic and international transactions, thereby aiding economic growth.

On April 22, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) research based on input from over 31,000 travelers across 34 countries, revealed that while 83% consider sustainable travel important, many do not prioritize it when planning trips. Additionally, 28% express fatigue with the constant discussion of climate change. These findings emphasize the need for collective action to maintain progress towards sustainability in the travel industry.

On March 6, The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) entered a 7-year collaboration with Visa Inc (NYSE:V), expanding Western Union’s services to enable customers to send money to eligible Visa Inc (NYSE:V) cards and bank accounts across 40 countries in five regions. The partnership encompasses card issuance, integration with Visa Direct for faster transactions, and the provision of additional services such as risk management products. The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) customers will also have access to Visa Inc (NYSE:V) prepaid cards in selected markets, offering both physical and digital solutions. Additionally, the collaboration aims to develop disbursement programs tailored for humanitarian organizations and governments, facilitating the distribution of essential funds during emergencies, including emergency relief, cross-border pensions, and domestic benefits disbursement.

Pixabay / Public domain

Methodology

Our methodology for ranking world’s least powerful passports in 2024 centers on two key metrics: the number of visa-free destinations accessible to each country’s citizens, sourced from the Guide Consultants’ Visa Index, and the Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism Percentile Rank from The World Bank. The primary metric assesses global mobility, while the secondary evaluates the political stability and safety of the country, providing a comprehensive view of each passport’s power. Our list is presented in descending order, with the weakest passport in 2024 taking first place.

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The World’s 30 Least Powerful Passports in 2024

30. cameroon.

Visa Free Destinations: 52

Political Stability: 11

With limited visa-free access to only 52 destinations and a low political stability score of 11, Cameroon faces significant governance challenges that are exacerbated by regional conflicts and socio-economic disparities.

Visa Free Destinations: 51

Political Stability: 23

Angola continues to struggle with the repercussions of a lengthy civil war, reflected in its restricted visa-free access (51 destinations) and moderate political instability (score of 23), which hampers economic recovery and development efforts.

Visa Free Destinations: 50

Political Stability: 10

Haiti is grappling with profound political instability (score of 10) and limited global mobility (50 visa-free destinations), factors that contribute to its ongoing humanitarian crises and hinder sustainable development.

27. Republic of the Congo

 Visa Free Destinations: 50

Political Stability: 46

Despite a relatively higher political stability score of 46, the Republic of the Congo offers its citizens access to only 50 visa-free destinations, reflecting ongoing challenges in governance and international relations.

26. Turkmenistan

Visa Free Destinations: 49

Political Stability: 42

Turkmenistan’s restrictive regime is evident in its limited visa-free travel (49 destinations) and political stability score of 42, with the government maintaining tight control over all aspects of life, affecting economic and social progress.

Political Stability: 74

Laos, with a visa-free score of 49 and a high political stability score of 74, still faces developmental challenges, including limited economic diversification and restrictions on civil liberties.

24. Burundi

Political Stability: 13

Burundi: Burundi is struggling with a low political stability score of 13 and limited visa-free access (49 destinations), compounded by ongoing political unrest and economic hardship.

23. Liberia

Visa Free Destinations: 48

Political Stability: 36

Post-civil war recovery in Liberia is slow, with a political stability score of 36 and visa-free access to only 48 countries, reflecting lingering governance and economic challenges.

22. Djibouti

Visa Free Destinations: 48 

Political Stability: 27

Djibouti offers limited visa-free travel (48 destinations) and faces moderate political challenges (score of 27), impacting its strategic economic potential despite significant foreign investments.

21. Nigeria

Visa Free Destinations: 46

Political Stability: 8

Nigeria, faces severe political instability (score of 8) and limited global mobility (46 visa-free destinations), hindering its potential as a leading emerging market.

20. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Visa Free Destinations: 45

Political Stability: 6

With a low political stability score of 6 and visa-free access to only 45 countries, the DRC continues to face significant humanitarian and governance crises.

19. South Sudan

Political Stability: 3

The young nation struggles with extreme political instability (score of 3) and limited visa-free access (45 destinations), severely affecting its development and peace-building efforts.

18. Lebanon

Political Stability: 9

Lebanon is currently facing a multifaceted crisis, characterized by a political stability score of 9 and access to 45 visa-free destinations, significantly impacting its economic stability and public services.

17. Ethiopia

Political Stability: 5

Despite being a fast-growing economy, Ethiopia struggles with political unrest and instability (score of 5), limiting its progress and international mobility (45 visa-free destinations).

Visa Free Destinations: 44

International sanctions and internal political challenges (score of 8) continue to restrict Iran’s global engagement and mobility, reflected in visa-free access to just 44 countries.

15. Myanmar

Visa Free Destinations: 43

Myanmar faces international isolation and internal conflict, with a political stability score of 3 and access to only 43 visa-free destinations.

14. Sri Lanka

Political Stability: 19

Recent political and economic crises have shaken Sri Lanka, limiting its international mobility (43 visa-free destinations) and reducing political stability (score of 19).

Visa Free Destinations: 42

Sudan’s ongoing political transition and conflicts contribute to its low stability score of 5 and restricted global mobility (42 visa-free destinations).

12. North Korea

Visa Free Destinations: 40

Political Stability: 30

North Korea remains one of the most isolated countries globally, with limited visa-free access (40 destinations) and moderate political stability (score of 30) due to its authoritarian regime.

Political Stability: 4

Since the fall of one of the supreme leaders, Libya has faced near-total political collapse (stability score of 4) and severely limited international mobility (40 visa-free destinations).

10. Eritrea

Political Stability: 15

Known for its stringent control over its citizens and limited freedoms, Eritrea struggles with political stability (score of 15) and offers minimal visa-free travel (40 destinations).

Visa Free Destinations: 38

Political Stability: 38

Despite a reasonable level of political stability (score of 38), Nepal faces significant economic and developmental challenges, limiting its citizens’ visa-free access to 38 countries.

8. Bangladesh

Bangladesh confronts considerable political instability (score of 13) and economic challenges, impacting its global standing and visa-free travel (38 destinations).

7. Palestinian Territories

Visa Free Destinations: 36

Political Stability: 7

Under continuous political strain (stability score of 7) and restricted sovereignty, the Palestinian Territories offer limited visa-free travel (36 destinations) to its residents.

Political Stability: 1

Somalia is marred by ongoing conflict and the world’s lowest political stability score (1), severely limiting opportunities for international mobility (36 visa-free destinations).

Click to continue reading and see The World’s 5 Least Powerful Passports in 2024 .

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AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Published on april 11, 2024 at by inan dogan, phd.

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

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Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

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Google CEO: This Will Be Bigger Than Electricity

Published on april 29, 2024 at by insider monkey staff.

I work for one of the largest independent financial publishers in the world – representing over 1 million people in 148 countries.

We’re independently funding today’s broadcast to address something on the mind of every investor in America right now…

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

Click to continue reading…

Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak , nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE , which disrupted flights and commerce for days.

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Plans revealed for Dubai to move its busy international airport to $35 billion new space

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel , will move within the next ten years, it has been announced.

The operations will move to the city-state's second airfield, in its southern desert reaches, in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 's announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom's 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE, which disrupted flights and commerce for days.

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula.

The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak, nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates' double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai's plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai's ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai's 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

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San Francisco Giants | Mike Yastrzemski on Fenway Park return for SF…

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San francisco giants | father, two children identified as victims in fiery fatal pleasanton car crash, san francisco giants, san francisco giants | mike yastrzemski on fenway park return for sf giants: ‘it’s always special’, yastrzemski has heated up at the plate before heading home to boston.

SAN FRANCISCO – For the first time since his rookie season, Mike Yastrzemski will get to play on the same field that his grandfather did for 23 seasons.

Yastrzemski, 33, last played in Fenway Park in 2019. With the Giants heading to Boston for a three-game series against the Red Sox starting on Tuesday, he’ll have another chance to play in front of fans who have idolized his last name for generations.

“Excited to get back,” Yastrzemski said Sunday morning at his locker. “Any time you play in Fenway, regardless of whoever you are, it’s always a great atmosphere. It’s always special. Just looking forward to get back, see some family I don’t get to see most years.”

In his Fenway Park debut, Yastrzemski played left field, the spot Carl manned for two decades, and homered to center.

“It’s definitely up there,” Yastrzemski said when asked where that home run ranks for him. “It’s hard to beat, like, walk-offs, but that one was pretty special.”

The next day, he caught the ceremonial first pitch from his grandfather — the greatest living Red Sox player whose statue stands outside the ballpark.

The two hugged on the infield grass, creating the type of special moment only possible in baseball — the Americana pastime rooted in nostalgia as much as its storied history (Yastrzemski’s rookie season of 1961 was before the first Super Bowl and well before the NBA became popular).

Yastrzemski’s upcoming series in Boston won’t top that. But a homecoming is always welcome. Since the Giants flew to Boston after Sunday’s day game, the Andover, Mass. native will get a full day to spend time with family members he normally doesn’t get to visit during the season on the Monday day off.

Yastrzemski said he’s unsure if his grandfather will attend the games like he did last time. They haven’t connected much since late March, when Mike and his wife, Paige, welcomed their second child into the world.

“I would assume no, because he just likes to watch the games at home anyway,” Mike said. “So that’d be my guess.”

But Mike said he thinks the 84-year-old Carl is back in town (he spends winters in Florida), so a surprise appearance is possible.

Mike homered against the Pirates on Sunday and has batted over .300 for the past three weeks after a 1-for-20 start to the year. Carrying that momentum into Fenway, in front of his friends and family, would certainly be nice.

“He’s heating up now to where he’s swinging the bat really well,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “We have a good feeling every time he’s up there.”

Carl played 23 seasons for the Red Sox in the shadow of the green monster, hitting 452 home runs in his inner-circle Hall of Fame career. He took on the torch from the legendary Ted Williams, whose famed red seat will loom above Mike in right field.

The red seat — denoting Williams’ longest blast of his career — has been the subject of skepticism in recent years. David Ortiz once expressed belief and reportedly failed to reach the 502-foot seat with an aluminum bat during a batting practice session. Current Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas suggested that the red seat is looking more and more like a “myth.”

But Yastrzemski isn’t a red-seat truther.

“I mean, you look at how far it is, it’s hard to believe,” Yastrzemski said. “But (Williams) is one of the best hitters of all time, I’d probably believe just about anything that came from him.”

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Dubai plans to move its busy international airport to a $35 billion new facility within 10 years

This artist’s rendering provided by the government of Dubai shows plans for Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Dubai government via AP)

This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central on Friday, April 26, 2024. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday, April 28, 2024. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

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Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel, will move its operations to the city-state’s second, sprawling airfield in its southern desert reaches “within the next 10 years” in a project worth nearly $35 billion, its ruler said Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement marks the latest chapter in the rebound of its long-haul carrier Emirates after the coronavirus pandemic grounded international travel. Plans have been on the books for years to move the operations of the airport known as DXB to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central which had also been delayed by the repercussions of the sheikhdom’s 2009 economic crisis.

“We are building a new project for future generations, ensuring continuous and stable development for our children and their children in turn,” Sheikh Mohammed said in an online statement. “Dubai will be the world’s airport, its port, its urban hub and its new global center.”

The announcement included computer-rendered images of curving, white terminal reminiscent of the traditional Bedouin tents of the Arabian Peninsula. The airport will include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, the announcement said. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport.

The financial health of the carrier Emirates has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide and the wider economic health of this city-state. Dubai and the airline rebounded quickly from the pandemic by pushing forward with tourism even as some countries more slowly came out of their pandemic crouch.

The number of passengers flying through DXB surged last year beyond its total for 2019 with 86.9 million passengers. Its 2019 annual traffic was 86.3 million passengers. The airport had 89.1 million passengers in 2018 — its busiest-ever year before the pandemic, while 66 million passengers passed through in 2022.

Earlier in February, Dubai announced its best-ever tourism numbers, saying it hosted 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 77%. Its boom-and-bust real estate market remains on a hot streak , nearing all-time high valuations.

But as those passenger numbers skyrocketed, it again put new pressure on the capacity of DXB, which remains constrained on all sides by residential neighborhoods and two major highways.

Al Maktoum International Airport, some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from DXB, opened in 2010 with one terminal. It served as a parking lot for Emirates’ double-decker Airbus A380s and other aircraft during the pandemic and slowly has come back to life with cargo and private flights in the time since. It also hosts the biennial Dubai Air Show and has a vast, empty desert in which to expand.

The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed noted Dubai’s plans to expand further south. Already, its nearby Expo 2020 site has been offering homes for buyers.

“As we build an entire city around the airport in Dubai South, demand for housing for a million people will follow,” Dubai’s ruler said. “It will host the world’s leading companies in the logistics and air transport sectors.”

However, financial pressures have halted the move in the past. Dubai’s 2009 financial crisis, brought on by the Great Recession, forced Abu Dhabi to provide the city-state with a $20 billion bailout.

Meanwhile, the city-state is still trying to recover after the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the UAE , which disrupted flights and commerce for days.