International tourism on track to hit one billion by end
of 2012
With a record 467 million tourists traveling
in the first half of 2012, international tourism remains firmly on track to
reach one billion tourists by the end of the year.
Despite concerns over the global economy,
international tourism demand continues to show resilience. The number of
international tourists worldwide grew by 5% between January and June 2012
compared to the same period of 2011 (22 million more). Although a slight
slowdown in growth can be expected for the rest of the year, international
arrivals are forecast to exceed one billion by the end of 2012.
“Amid the current economic uncertainty, tourism
is one of the few economic sectors in the world growing strongly, driving
economic progress in developing and developed countries alike and, most
importantly, creating much needed jobs,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb
Rifai, opening the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao.
“As we lead up to the milestone of one billion,
we need to ensure that the tourism sector is supported by adequate national
policies and that we work to reduce existing barriers to the expansion of the
sector, such as complicated visa procedures, increased direct taxation or
limited connectivity,” he added.
Asia leads growth
International arrivals were up in all regions
between January and June 2012.
Asia and the Pacific (+8%) led
growth by region, boosted by the recovery of Japanese inbound and outbound
tourism as well as by the continued strong performance of other major source
markets throughout the region. Destinations in South Asia and South-East Asia
(both +9%) showed some of the best results worldwide. “Although Asia was
affected by the economic crisis of 2008-2009 due to its strong linkages with
other economies, the region has bounced back quickly and is today a leader in
the global economy. This is clearly reflected in its tourism figures,” said Mr.
Rifai.
Europe (+4%), the most visited
destination in the world, consolidated its record growth of 2011, despite
continuing economic volatility in the Eurozone. Results were above the regional
average in Central and Eastern Europe (+7%) where many destinations saw
double-digit growth, as well as in Western Europe (+5%). By contrast, demand in
Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+1%) slowed down, but on top of a very strong
2011, and partly due to the recovery of destinations in North Africa and the
Middle East.
The Americas (+5%) grew in line
with the world average, with Central America (+7%) and South America (+6%)
recording the strongest results. In fact, South America has been one of the
sub-regions with the fastest tourism growth of recent years. Destinations in
North America grew at 4%, a relatively high rate for a mature sub-region, while
growth in the Caribbean (+5%) remained buoyant, consolidating 2011 results.
In Africa (+7%), the return of
tourist flows to Tunisia is reflected in the results of North Africa (+11%).
Likewise, the rebound of Egypt is clearly mirrored in the results of the
Middle-East (+0.7%). Destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa (+6%)
continued to show strong results, following the good growth rates of this
sub-region in previous years.
Healthy demand from both emerging and
advanced economy source markets
In terms of outbound markets, and among the top
ten countries by expenditure on travel abroad, growth was significant in China
(+30%), the Russian Federation (+15%), USA (+9%), Germany (+6%) and Canada (+6%)
. In Japan, an 8% increase in spending on overseas tourism confirms the recovery
of this important market. On the other hand, growth was comparatively slow or
negative in the UK, Australia, Italy and France.
Note:
In 2011, international tourist arrivals reached
990 million (revised data). With an expected growth of 3% to 4% in 2012, this
figure is forecast to reach one billion for the first time by December 2012. In
2011, receipts from international tourism, including international passenger
transport, (exports from tourism) totalled US$ 1.2 trillion or close to 6% of
the world’s exports of goods and services. For more information on tourism in
2011 see UNWTO Tourism
Highlights.
The UNWTO World Tourism
Barometer is a regular publication of UNWTO aimed at monitoring the
short-term evolution of tourism and providing the sector with relevant and
timely information.
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