Growth in global tourism largest since 2010
Growth in global tourist arrivals was up 7% in 2017, the largest increase since 2010, according to the World Tourism Organisation.
International tourist arrivals set a new record at 1.32 billion in 2017, up by about 84 million.
It is the world’s third-largest export sector, with US$ 1.6 trillion in exports generated by tourism.
“The sector has now seen uninterrupted growth in arrivals for eight straight years,” the UNWTO said in a release.
The organisation cited strong outbound travel demand from virtually all source markets including a rebound in fortunes in Brazil and Russia.
UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2018 Edition’ reaffirms China’s position as the leader in global outbound travel.
Chinese travellers spent US$ 258 billion on international tourism in 2017, which represents almost one-fifth of the world’s total tourism spending.
The UNWTO says 2018 is also on track for a year-on-year increase with 6% growth in arrivals recorded between January and April.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025