Published on : Saturday, October 13, 2018
As per the UNWTO’s latest barometer, international tourist arrivals grew 6% in the first six months of this year after a record-breaking year in 2017. All world regions enjoyed robust growth in tourist arrivals in the period between January-June this year. The increase was fueled by strong demand from major source markets, supported by an upswing in the global economy.
To quote the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, “Today’s release of international tourism data for the first half of 2018 serves as further proof of the sector’s resilience and relentless growth trajectory. We continue to work with our many partners to translate this growth into better jobs, more benefits to societies, and more opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and destinations.”
By region, Europe and Asia and the Pacific led growth with a 7% increase in arrivals each. Southern Mediterranean Europe and South-East Asia had the most positive results in these regions, welcoming 9% more international tourists.
The Middle East and Africa also recorded sound results with arrivals growing at 5% and 4%, respectively. The Americas saw 3% growth in arrivals over the six-month period, driven by South America (+7%) and North America (+5%). The US continued to fuel much growth in the region and beyond.
France, the UK and the Russian Federation reported double-digit increases in outbound spending in Europe. India and the Republic of Korea drove growth in Asia and the Pacific, while the world’s top source market China reported similar spending like last year.