The number of international tourist arrivals rose by 6 percent last
year to 1.4 billion, according to an estimate published Monday by the
World Tourism Organization.
The increase was driven by travel to southern Europe, the Middle East
and Africa, said the Madrid-based UN body, citing economic growth and
cheaper air travel as key factors.
Although arrivals to the Americas grew by a modest three percent --
four for North America -- Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific performed
better, with rises of six, seven and six percent respectively.
In 2010, the WTO had forecast that international tourist arrivals
would only hit the 1.4 billion mark in 2020 -- but it now said that
stronger economic growth, more affordable air travel and an easier visa
regime around the world had helped boost the market.
"The growth of tourism in recent years confirms that the sector is
today one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth and
development," WTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said in a
statement.
Total arrivals to Europe were 713 million but the WTO noted that
arrivals in northern Europe were flat last year, citing uncertainty over
Britain's impending exit from the European Union.
Closer focus on data for Africa, which welcomed 67 million visitors
in total, saw the north of the continent register 10 per cent growth in
arrivals staying at least overnight. Sub-Saharan arrivals were up six
percent.
Middle Eastern arrivals rose 10 percent to 64 million.
.
.
The Caribbean suffered a drop of 2.0 percent in arrivals as it
continued to feel the effects of the September 2017 hurricanes Maria and
Irma. The storms caused catastrophic damage in tourist hotspots such as
Barbuda, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The WTO predicted a global overall increase of between three and four
percent for the current year, broadly in line with historical trends.
Stable fuel prices would "translate into affordable air travel while air
connectivity continues to improve in many destinations", it predicted.
Outbound tourism from emerging markets, "especially India and Russia", but also from smaller Asian and Arab markets is expected to continue to grow strongly, it added.
But at the same time the WTO warned that uncertainty related to Brexit "as well as geopolitical and trade tensions may prompt a 'wait and see' attitude among investors and travelers".
Source - TheJakartaPost
Outbound tourism from emerging markets, "especially India and Russia", but also from smaller Asian and Arab markets is expected to continue to grow strongly, it added.
But at the same time the WTO warned that uncertainty related to Brexit "as well as geopolitical and trade tensions may prompt a 'wait and see' attitude among investors and travelers".
Source - TheJakartaPost
