International tourist arrivals grew by a ‘remarkable’ +7% in 2017 reaching 1.32bn –  the strongest results seen in seven years, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 

Its latest World Tourism Barometer reveals that the growth was led by Europe’s Mediterranean destinations, generating +8% more international arrivals than in 2016. Africa registered an +8% increase in tourism, followed by Asia Pacific (+6%), the Middle East (+5%) and the Americas (+3%).

Commenting on the results, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, stated: “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.”

‘STRONG’ MOMENTUM

The results are partly attributed to the global economic upswing and the robust outbound demand from many traditional and emerging markets, as well as a rebound in tourism spending from Brazil and the Russian Federation.

UNWTO says it expects this ‘strong’ momentum to continue into 2018 at a more sustainable pace of +4%-5% ­– however, above the +3.8% average increase projected for the period 2010-2020 by UNWTO’s Tourism Towards 2030 long-term forecast.

Tourism in Europe and the Americas is forecast to grow approximately +3.5%-4.5%, Asia Pacific by +5%-6%, Africa by +5%-7% and the Middle East by +4%-6%.

 RESULTS BY REGION

International tourist arrivals in Europe reached 671m in 2017 – that’s a ‘remarkable’ +8% climb following a comparatively weaker 2016. Growth was driven by an ‘extraordinary’ +13% rise in tourists in Southern and Mediterranean Europe. Western Europe (+7%), Northern Europe (+5%) and Central and Eastern Europe (+5%) also recorded robust growth.

Last year, Asia Pacific recorded 324m international tourist arrivals in 2017 – representing an increase of +6%. Arrivals in South Asia grew by +10%. South-East Asia recorded an increase of +8% and Oceania generated +7% growth. Arrivals to North-East Asia also increased +3%.

The Americas grew +3%, welcoming 207m international tourist arrivals in 2017, with most destinations enjoying positive results. South America led growth in the region with an increase of +7%, followed by Central America (+4%) and the Caribbean (+4%), with the latter showing clear signs of recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

UNWTO estimates that tourism in Africa increased by +8% last year, generating approximately 62m international arrivals – a significant improvement compared to 2016. North Africa enjoyed a strong recovery with arrivals up +13%, while arrivals in the Sub-Saharan Africa climbed +5%.

The Middle East received 58m international tourists in 2017, up +5%, with sustained growth in some destinations and a strong recovery in others.