A billion already
The first nine months of this year saw nearly a billion international travelers
Destinations around the world welcomed 956 million international tourists between January and September 2016, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This is 34 million more than in the same period of 2015, a 4% increase.
Big winners were Egypt – up by 38%, Vietnam by 36%, Korea by 34% and Japan 24%. Top European destinations like Spain, Hungary, Portugal and Ireland got double digit growth.
Eight other markets reported big growth: Argentina (+27%), Spain (+19%), India (+16%), Thailand (+15%), Ukraine (+15%), Ireland (+12%) and Norway (+11%).
In the top five source markets, China was up 19%, US up by 9%, Germany 5% UK 10% and France 3%, Russia was down by 37%
Said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General, "Tourism is one of the most resilient and fastest-growing economic sectors but it is also very sensitive to risks, both actual and perceived. As such, the sector must continue to work together with governments and stakeholders to minimize risks, respond effectively and build confidence among travelers," said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.
"No destination is immune to risks. We need to increase cooperation in addressing these global threats, namely those related to safety and security. And we need to make tourism an integral part of emergency planning and response", added Mr. Rifai ahead of the Ministerial Meeting on Safe, Secure and Seamless Travel to be held at the World Travel Market in London on 9 November.
Mr. Rifai also recalled: "Real crises are often magnified or distorted by misperception and affected destinations are facing important challenges, although at the global level demand remains strong. We need to support these countries in restoring confidence, as doing so will benefit the entire tourism sector and society as a whole."
For more info:
UNWTO World Tourism Barometer Excerpt
International Tourism in 2015: UNWTO Tourism Highlights
Valere Tjolle
@ValereTjolle
Valere
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