In 2021, Reunion Island welcomed 250,812 foreign tourists, according to the annual survey commissioned by the IRT. The figure increases modestly by 15,7% compared to 2020 and remains 53% lower than in previous years (534,000 arrivals in 2018 and 2019). More than 88% of tourists counted last year came from France and 24% came from Reunion. 6,9% came from neighboring islands, mainly from Mayotte, since the borders with Madagascar and Mauritius only began to open in the latter part of the year. European markets only represented 3,6% of arrivals, from Belgium, mainly from Switzerland and Germany. Affinity customers, whose main reason for travel is to visit relatives or friends, remains very high : 43,8% you total, pour 46,5% leisure tourists and 8,6% business travelers. 49,3% of all foreign tourists stayed with relatives or friends, also shows the IRT survey. Classified hotels were the main mode of accommodation for only 17% of tourists, behind Seasonal rentals (22%). Foreign tourism revenues are estimated at 192,1 million euros for 2021. Elles prennent en compte les dépenses effectuées au cours du séjour et celles engagées avant le départ mais bénéficiant directement à la Réunion (acompte sur réservations ou quote-part d’achat de voyages à forfait). La durée moyenne du séjour dans l’île a été de 21 jours en 2021, la durée majoritaire étant de 15 jours et plus. La clientèle affinitaire reste un peu plus longtemps sur l’île : 24 jours en moyenne. Finally, la crise sanitaire et les restrictions aux déplacements ont découragé les voyages inter-îles : 97,2% des touristes ont séjourné uniquement à la Réunion.
