The global travel industry is poised for full recovery from the COVID pandemic this month, according to U.N. Tourism. International arrivals during the first nine months of 2024 reached 98% of 2019 levels, with a full rebound expected by year-end. The Middle East led the recovery, driven by surges in visitors to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Asia-Pacific is projected to be the epicenter of global travel growth, with air passengers expected to double by 2042. Hospitality companies are expanding aggressively in the region.