UNWTO announced 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in 2018

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

As per  World Tourism Barometer the international tourist arrivals saw a growth of six percent  with a total of 1.4 billion. It was earlier predicted in 2010 that the 1.4 billion mark will be achieved by 2020, however the milestone was reached before.

In 2018 in the Middle East was up by ten per cent, Africa by seven per cent, Asia and the Pacific and Europe by six per cent.Americas saw a below world average in arrivals which was up by three per cent.

UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili tourism growth confirms that the sector is the most powerful driver of economic growth and development.

It should be maintained in a sustainable manner so that it benefits all the countries targeting all local communities leading to the creation of job and entrepreneurship and leaving no one behind.

In 2019 UNWTO is focusing on education, skills and job creation.

UNWTO forecasts international arrivals to grow three to four per cent next year, more in line with historic growth trends considering the current trends, economic prospects and UNWTO Confidence Index.

There will be affordable air travel along with improved  connectivity  in many destinations that will facilitate the diversification of source markets.

There is a strong outbound travel trend from emerging markets mainly from India and Russia but from Asian and Arab source markets too.

However, there will also be a ‘wait and see’ attitude among investors and travellers at the same time due to the global economic slowdown and the uncertainty concerning Brexit and the geopolitical trade tension.

As a general backdrop, the stability of fuel prices tends to translate into affordable air travel while air connectivity continues to improve in many destinations, facilitating the diversification of source markets.

Trends also show strong outbound travel from emerging markets, especially India and Russia but also from smaller Asian and Arab source markets

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