British tourist spend in Europe sees double-digit growth
The increase in spend by British tourists in Europe was in the double digits during the first half of this year, according to new figures released by the World Tourism Organization.
Meanwhile spending from China, the world’s largest source market was similar to the same period of last year.
Overall, international tourist arrivals grew 6% in the first six months of this year after a record year of growth in 2017.
Figures from the World Tourism Organization show all regions enjoyed ‘robust’ growth, with the increase fuelled by strong demand from major source markets, supported by an upswing in the global economy.
There was a 7% increase in tourist arrivals for the whole of 2017, but the second half of the year usually sees 5% more arrivals than the first six months as it’s three days longer and includes the northern hemisphere’s high season.
Europe, Asia and the Pacific have led the growth so far this year with a 7% increase in international arrivals each from January to June . The southern Mediterranean and South-East Asia had the biggest increases of 9%.
"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," said UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili.
"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."
The Middle East and Africa saw 5% and 4% growth respectively, according to still-limited information available for destinations in these regions.
The Americas saw 3% growth in arrivals over the six-month period, driven by South America (+7%) and North America (+5%).
"Against a strong first semester, growth prospects for the remainder of 2018 remain positive overall, though at a slower pace," according to the latest UNWTO Confidence Index survey. The Index value for May-August and expectations for September-December are s lower than the Index value for January-April, it said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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