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16 Jan 2018

2017 International Tourism Results: the highest in seven years | World Tourism Organization UNWTO

2017 International Tourism Results: the highest in seven years   

International tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% in 2017 to
reach a total of 1,322 million, according to the latest UNWTO World
Tourism Barometer. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018
at a rate of 4%-5%.




Based on data reported by destinations around the world, it is
estimated that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors)
worldwide increased 7% in 2017. This is well above the sustained and
consistent trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the
strongest results in seven years.

Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary
results for such a large and rather mature region, with 8% more
international arrivals than in 2016. Africa consolidated its 2016
rebound with an 8% increase. Asia and the Pacific recorded 6% growth,
the Middle East 5% and the Americas 3%.



2017 was characterised by sustained growth in many destinations and a
firm recovery in those that suffered decreases in previous years.
Results were partly shaped by the global economic upswing and the robust
outbound demand from many traditional and emerging source markets,
particularly a rebound in tourism spending from Brazil and the Russian
Federation after a few years of declines.

“International travel continues to grow strongly, consolidating the
tourism sector as a key driver in economic development. As the third
export sector in the world, tourism is essential for job creation and
the prosperity of communities around the world.” said UNWTO
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “Yet as we continue to grow we
must work closer together to ensure this growth benefits every member of
every host community, and is in line with the Sustainable Development
Goals”.



Growth expected to continue in 2018

The current strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018, though
at a more sustainable pace after eight years of steady expansion
following the 2009 economic and financial crisis. Based on current
trends, economic prospects and the outlook by the UNWTO Panel of
Experts, UNWTO projects international tourist arrivals worldwide to grow
at a rate of 4%-5% in 2018. This is somewhat above the 3.8% average
increase projected for the period 2010-2020 by UNWTO in its Tourism Towards 2030
long-term forecast. Europe and the Americas are both expected to grow
by 3.5%-4.5%, Asia and the Pacific by 5%-6%, Africa by 5%-7% and the
Middle East by 4%-6%.



2017 results by UNWTO region

International tourist arrivals in Europe reached 671
million in 2017, a remarkable 8% increase following a comparatively
weaker 2016. Growth was driven by the extraordinary results in Southern
and Mediterranean Europe (+13%). Western Europe (+7%), Northern Europe
and Central and Eastern Europe (both +5%) also recorded robust growth.



Asia and the Pacific (+6%) recorded 324 million
international tourist arrivals in 2017. Arrivals in South Asia grew 10%,
in South-East Asia 8% and in Oceania 7%. Arrivals to North-East Asia
increased by 3%.



The Americas (+3%) welcomed 207 million
international tourist arrivals in 2017, with most destinations enjoying
positive results. South America (+7%) led growth, followed by Central
America and the Caribbean (both +4%), with the latter showing clear
signs of recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. In
North America (+2%), robust results in Mexico and Canada contrasted with
a decrease in the United States, the region’s largest destination.



Based on available data for Africa, growth in 2017
is estimated at 8%. The region consolidated its 2016 rebound and reached
a record 62 million international arrivals. North Africa enjoyed a
strong recovery with arrivals growing by 13%, while in Sub-Saharan
Africa arrivals increased by 5%.

The Middle East (+5%) received 58 million
international tourist arrivals in 2017 with sustained growth in some
destinations and a strong recovery in others.



Note: All results in this release are based on preliminary data,
as reported by the various destinations around the world, and on
estimates by UNWTO of still-missing data. UNWTO will continue to collect
data and will present more comprehensive data by country in the April
issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Results for both Africa and
the Middle East should be read with caution as they are based on limited
available data.




Useful links:

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer

UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2017 Edition

International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017



Contacts:

UNWTO Media Officer Marcelo Risi
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60 


UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme




























Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218




2017 International Tourism Results: the highest in seven years

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