Wednesday, January 17, 2018
The UNWTO said that last year, the number of global tourists went up by 7 percent, the biggest increase in seven years led by Europe with the lure of the Mediterranean’s sea and sun.
The sharp hike was mostly due to the economic recovery around the world.
International tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% in 2017 to reach a total of 1.32 billion. This strong momentum is expected to continue this year too at a rate of 4% to 5%.
Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary results, with 8% more international arrivals than in 2016. Africa consolidated its 2016 rebound with an 8% increase. Asia and the Pacific recorded 6% growth, the Middle East 5% and the Americas 3%.
The UNWTO said that 2017 was characterized by sustained growth in many destinations and a firm recovery in areas that suffered decreases in previous years. Results were partly driven by the global economic upswing and the robust outbound demand from many traditional and emerging source markets, particularly a rebound in tourism spending from Brazil and the Russian Federation after a few years of declines.
Current UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, “International travel continues to grow strongly, consolidating the tourism sector as a key driver in economic development. As the third export sector in the world, tourism is essential for job creation and the prosperity of communities around the world. Yet as we continue to grow, we must work closer together to ensure this growth benefits every member of every host community, and is in line with the UNWTO’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
Tags: global tourists
