According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 71% in 2017, reaching a total of 1.322 billion. This momentum is expected to continue into 2018, with growth in tourist arrivals will amount to an average of 4–5%.
Led by Mediterranean destinations Europe recorded exceptional results in tourist flow, which was 8% more than in 2016.
Africa also increased its performance by 8%, compensating for its losses in 2016.
IN Asia-Pacific the region recorded an increase of 6%, Middle East — 5%, and in North and South America — 3%.
The entire year of 2017 was characterized by robust growth across many sectors and a steady recovery in those that had suffered in previous years. These results were partly driven by the global economic recovery and robust outbound demand from many traditional and emerging markets.
The Brazilian and Russian markets recovered particularly steadily last year after several years of decline.
"International tourist flows continue to grow, strengthening the tourism sector as a key driver of economic development. As the world's third-largest export sector, tourism is essential for job creation and the prosperity of communities around the world," UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated.
The current strong momentum is expected to continue into 2018.Based on current trends and economic prospects, a group of experts UNWTO forecasts that international tourist receipts worldwide will grow by between 4.51% and 5.51% in 2018. This is higher than the previously forecast average of 3.81%.
Europe and the Americas are expected to grow by 3.51% to 4.51%, Asia and the Pacific by 5.01% to 6.11%, Africa by 5.01% to 7.11%, and the Middle East by 4.01% to 6.11%.
Source: trn-news.ru