international tourism is

What is international tourism and why is it important?

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The International tourism industry is stronger than ever before. Destinations around the world have developed their economies around international tourism and they are thriving (minus the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, but I am confident that tourism will return so I am going to put that to one side for now). But what does it all mean?

In this article I am going to introduce you to the exciting world of international tourism- the industry that I have lived and breathed for so many years. The industry that I love. So here goes…

What is international tourism?

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Tourism is the generic term used to cover both demand and supply that has been adopted in a variety of forms and used throughout the world.

International tourism essentially refers to the activities undertaken by visitors, also known as the visitor economy. The tourism industry encompasses all activity that takes place within the visitor economy.

This includes activities that are directly related to the tourist, such as staying in a hotel, ordering a meal or visiting a tourist attraction. It also includes indirect activities, such as the transport company which delivers the food to the restaurant in which the tourist eats or the laundry company that has a contract with the hotel for cleaning bed sheets.

It is largely due to the indirect contributions to tourism, that defining and measuring the tourism industry is so difficult!

Tourism is a phenomenon with no universally accepted definition, owing to the complexity and individualism of the travellers themselves and the activities that they choose to undertake.

The most widely utilised definition of tourism, proposed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United States (UN) Nations Statistics Division (1994), prescribes that in order to qualify as a tourist one must travel and remain in a place outside of their usual residential environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business or other purposes.

Matheison and Wall (1982) on the other hand, do not impose a timeframe, simply stating that one must travel to a destination temporarily.

Leiper (1979) believed that defining tourism is more complex than this, proposing that there are three approaches that can be taken. The economic stance focuses on tourism as a business, the technical stance focusses on the tourist in order to provide a common basis by which to collect data and the holistic stance attempts to include the entire essence of the subject.

The Cambridge Dictionary define tourism quite simply as; ‘the business of providing services such as transport, places to stay or entertainment for people who are on holiday’.

As there is no universal definition for the term ‘international tourism’, for the purposes of this article I will define it as follows:

‘International tourism is the act of travelling to another country other than where you live for no more than one year for purposes of leisure or business’.

Why is international tourism important?

International tourism is hugely important. There are a number of key reasons for this that I will outline below.

Value to the economy

International tourism can help economies to bring in money in a number of different ways. Below I have provided some examples of the positive economic impacts of tourism .

The importance of international tourism is demonstrated through foreign exchange earnings. 

Tourism expenditures generate income to the host economy. The money that the country makes from tourism can then be reinvested in the economy.

How a destination manages their finances differs around the world; some destinations may spend this money on growing their tourism industry further, some may spend this money on public services such as education or healthcare and some destinations suffer extreme corruption so nobody really knows where the money ends up!

Some currencies are worth more than others and so some countries will target tourists from particular areas. Currencies that are strong are generally the most desirable currencies. This typically includes the British Pound, American, Australian and Singapore Dollar and the Euro . 

Tourism is one of the top five export categories for as many as 83% of countries and is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38% of countries.

The importance of international tourism is also demonstrated through the money that is raised and contributed to government revenues. Tourism can help to raise money that it then invested elsewhere by the Government. There are two main ways that this money is accumulated. 

Direct contributions  are generated by taxes on incomes from tourism employment and tourism businesses and things such as departure taxes. 

According to the World Tourism Organisation, the direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP in 2018 was $2,750.7billion (3.2% of GDP). This is forecast to rise by 3.6% to $2,849.2billion in 2019.

Indirect contributions  come from goods and services supplied to tourists which are not directly related to the tourism industry. 

There is also the income that is generated through  induced contributions . This accounts for money spent by the people who are employed in the tourism industry. This might include costs for housing, food, clothing and leisure Activities amongst others. This will all contribute to an increase in economic activity in the area where tourism is being developed. 

The importance of international tourism can be demonstrated through employment generation.

The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant employment creation. From hotel managers to theme park operatives to cleaners, tourism creates many employment opportunities. Tourism supports some 7% of the world’s workers. 

There are two types of employment in the tourism industry: direct and indirect. 

Direct employment  includes jobs that are immediately associated with the tourism industry. This might include hotel staff, restaurant staff or taxi drivers, to name a few.

Indirect employment includes jobs which are not technically based in the tourism industry, but are related to the tourism industry.

It is because of these indirect relationships, that it is very difficult to accurately measure the precise economic value of tourism, and some suggest that the actual economic benefits of tourism may be as high as double that of the recorded figures!

The importance of international tourism can be further seen through the contributions to local economies.

All of the money raised, whether through formal or informal means, has the potential to contribute to the local economy. 

If  sustainable tourism  is demonstrated, money will be directed to areas that will benefit the local community most. There may be pro-poor tourism initiatives (tourism which is intended to help the poor) or  volunteer tourism  projects. The government may reinvest money towards public services and money earned by tourism employees will be spent in the local community. This is known as the multiplier effect. 

International tourism boosts the economy exponentially.

This is partly because of the aforementioned jobs that tourism creates, but also because of the temporary addition to the consumer population that occurs when someone travels to a new place.

Just think: when you travel, you’re spending money. You’re paying to stay in a hotel or hostel in a certain area – then you’re eating in local restaurants, using local public transport, buying souvenirs and ice cream and new flip flops. As a tourist, you are contributing to the global economy every time you book and take a trip.

For some towns, cities and even whole countries, the importance of international tourism is greater than for others. In some cases, it is the main source of income.

For example, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for almost 40% of the Maldives’ total GDP. In comparison, it’s less than 4% in the UK and even lower in the US! In the Seychelles the number is just over 26% while in the British Virgin Islands it is over 35% – so tourism is vastly important in these nations.

Other posts that you might be interested in: – What is tourism? A definition of tourism – The history of tourism – The structure of the tourism industry – Stakeholders in tourism – Inbound tourism explained: What, why and where – What is ABTA and how does it work? – Outbound tourism | Understanding the basics

Value to society

The importance of international tourism is not only recognised through economic factors, but there are also many positive social impacts of tourism that play an important part. Below I will outline some of the social gains from tourism.

It is the local culture that the tourists are often coming to visit and this is another way to demonstrate the importance of international tourism.

Tourists visit Beijing to learn more about the Chinese Dynasties. Tourists visit Thailand to taste authentic Thai food. Tourists travel to Brazil to go to the Rio Carnival, to mention a few…

Many destinations will make a conserved effort to preserve and protect the local culture. This often contributes to the conservation and  sustainable management  of natural resources, the protection of local heritage, and a renaissance of indigenous cultures, cultural arts and crafts. 

The importance of international tourism can also be demonstrated through the strengthening of communities.

Events and festivals of which local residents have been the primary participants and spectators are often rejuvenated and developed in response to tourist interest.

The jobs created by international tourism can also be a great boost for the local community. Aside from the  economic impacts  created by enhanced employment prospects, people with jobs are happier and more social than those without a disposable income. 

Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their job and earnings prospects, through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organisational skills.

The importance of international tourism is shown through the provision of social services in the host community.

The international tourism industry requires many facilities/ infrastructure to meet the needs of the tourist. This often means that many developments in an area as a result of tourism will be available for use by the locals also. 

Local people often gained new roads, new sewage systems, new playgrounds, bus services etc as a result of tourism. This can provide a great boost to their quality of life and is a great example of a positive social impact of tourism. 

International tourism can see rise to many commercial business, which can be a positive social impact of tourism. This helps to enhance the community spirit as people tend to have more disposable income as a result. 

These businesses may also promote the local cultures and arts. Museums, shows and galleries are fantastic way to showcase the local customs and traditions of a destination. This can help to promote/ preserve local traditions.

Some destinations will encourage local cultures and arts to be revitalised. This may be in the form of museum exhibitions, in the way that restaurants and shops are decorated and in the entertainment on offer, for example. 

This may help promote traditions that may have become distant. 

Another reason for the importance of international tourism is the preservation of heritage. Many tourists will visit the destination especially to see its local heritage. It is for this reason that many destinations will make every effort to preserve its heritage. 

This could include putting restrictions in place or limiting tourist numbers, if necessary. This is often an example of careful  tourism planning  and sustainable tourism management. 

International tourism can, if managed well, empower communities. While it is important to consider the authenticity in tourism and take some things with a pinch of salt, know that tourism can empower communities.

Small villages in far off lands are able to profit from selling their handmade goods. This, in turn, puts food on the table. This leads to healthier families and more productivity and a happier population .

Value to the environment

Whilst most media coverage involving international tourism and the environment tends to be negative, there are some positives that can come from it: demonstrating the importance of tourism once again.

Some people think that international tourism is what kills nature. And while this could so easily be true, it is important to note that the tourism industry is and always has been a big voice when it comes to conservation and the protection of animals and nature. Tourism organisations and travel operators often run (and donate to) fundraisers. 

As well as this, visitors to certain areas can take part in activities that aim to sustain the local scenery. It’s something a bit different, too! You and your family can go on a beach clean up walk in Spain or do something similar in the UAE . There are a lot of ways in which tourism actually helps the environment, rather than hindering it!

Tourism brings with it huge economic potential for a destination that wishes to develop their tourism industry. Employment, currency exchange, imports and taxes are just a few of the ways that tourism can bring money into a destination.

In recent years, tourism numbers have increased globally at exponential rates, as shown in the World Tourism Organisation data below. There are a number of reasons for this growth including improvements in technology, increases in disposable income, the growth of budget airlines and consumer desires to travel further, to new destinations and more often.

Here are a few statistics providing by the UN and Statistica:

Here are a few facts about the economic importance of the tourism industry globally:

• The tourism economy represents 5 percent of world GDP
• Tourism contributes to 6-7 percent of total employment
• International tourism ranks fourth (after fuels, chemicals and automotive products) in global exports
• The tourism industry is valued at US$1trillion a year
• Tourism accounts for 30 percent of the world’s exports of commercial services
• Tourism accounts for 6 percent of total exports
• 1.4billion international tourists were recorded in 2018 (UNWTO)
• In over 150 countries, tourism is one of five top export earners
• Tourism is the main source of foreign exchange for one-third of developing countries and one-half of less economically developed countries (LEDCs)

There is a wealth of data about the economic value of tourism worldwide, with lots of handy graphs and charts in the United Nations Economic Impact Report .

International tourism is arguably the largest industry in the world. There are many benefits of international tourism to local economies as well as society and the environment. The many components of tourism that make up the industry are integral to livelihoods the world over.

• An Introduction to Tourism : a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to all facets of tourism including: the history of tourism; factors influencing the tourism industry; tourism in developing countries; sustainable tourism; forecasting future trends.
• The Business of Tourism Management : an introduction to key aspects of tourism, and to the practice of managing a tourism business.
• Tourism Management: An Introduction : gives its reader a strong understanding of the dimensions of tourism, the industries of which it is comprised, the issues that affect its success, and the management of its impact on destination economies, environments and communities.

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By Bastian Herre, Veronika Samborska and Max Roser

Tourism has massively increased in recent decades. Aviation has opened up travel from domestic to international. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international visits had more than doubled since 2000.

Tourism can be important for both the travelers and the people in the countries they visit.

For visitors, traveling can increase their understanding of and appreciation for people in other countries and their cultures.

And in many countries, many people rely on tourism for their income. In some, it is one of the largest industries.

But tourism also has externalities: it contributes to global carbon emissions and can encroach on local environments and cultures.

On this page, you can find data and visualizations on the history and current state of tourism across the world.

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International tourism: the most popular countries

Drastic declines due to COVID-19

The most popular travel countries.

Germany is the world travel champion

Booming tourism and slump in 2020.

A look at the costs

This is how the COVID-19 crisis has affected international tourism

International tourist arrivals increased by 58 percent in the three months ended September 30 compared to the same period of 2020 but remained 64 percent below 2019 levels. Image:  Unsplash/ Iwan Shimko

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Stay up to date:.

• International tourist arrivals increased by 58 percent in the three months ended September 30.
• Compared to the same period of 2020 these numbers remained 64 percent below 2019 levels.
• While the latest rebound is certainly encouraging, the recovery of the global tourism sector has been going slower than many had anticipated last year.

Amid fears that the newly discovered COVID-19 variant named Omicron could disrupt global travel once again, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) published its latest update on the state of international tourism on Sunday. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer, global travel activity rebounded sharply in the third quarter of 2021, while remaining far below pre-pandemic levels.

International tourist arrivals increased by 58 percent in the three months ended September 30 compared to the same period of 2020 but remained 64 percent below 2019 levels. Looking at the first nine months of 2021, the situation looks even bleaker with international arrivals down 20 percent even compared to 2020 and 76 percent below pre-Covid levels. Looking ahead, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said that “we cannot let our guard down and need to continue our efforts to ensure equal access to vaccinations, coordinate travel procedures, make use of digital vaccination certificates to facilitate mobility and continue to support the sector.”

Have you read?

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While the latest rebound is certainly encouraging, the recovery of the global tourism sector has been going slower than many had anticipated last year. According to its latest forecast, the UNWTO expects international tourist arrivals to remain 70 to 75 percent below 2019 levels this year. That translates to roughly $1 trillion in foregone export revenues, which amounted to $1.7 trillion in 2019 and are expected to reach $700 to $800 billion this year. Even this forecast could prove too optimistic, however, if the Omicron variant turns out to be as dangerous as initially feared.

As other sectors proceed to decarbonize, the aviation sector could account for a much higher share of global greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century than its 2%-3% share today.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can reduce the life-cycle carbon footprint of aviation fuel by up to 80%, but they currently make up less than 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption. Enabling a shift from fossil fuels to SAFs will require a significant increase in production, which is a costly investment.

The Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow (CST) Coalition is a global initiative driving the transition to sustainable aviation fuels as part of the aviation industry’s ambitious efforts to achieve carbon-neutral flying.

The coalition brings together government leaders, climate experts and CEOs from aviation, energy, finance and other sectors who agree on the urgent need to help the aviation industry reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The coalition aims to advance the commercial scale of viable production of sustainable low-carbon aviation fuels (bio and synthetic) for broad adoption in the industry by 2030. Initiatives include a mechanism for aggregating demand for carbon-neutral flying, a co-investment vehicle and geographically specific value-chain industry blueprints.

Learn more about the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition's impact and contact us to find out how you can get involved.

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Global tourism industry - statistics & facts

What are the leading global tourism destinations, digitalization of the global tourism industry, how important is sustainable tourism, key insights.

Detailed statistics

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Travel and tourism revenue worldwide 2019-2028, by segment

Revenue of the global travel and tourism market from 2019 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of sales channels in the travel and tourism market worldwide 2018-2028

Revenue share of sales channels of the travel and tourism market worldwide from 2018 to 2028

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Inbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide 2020-2025, by region

Outbound tourism visitor growth worldwide from 2020 to 2022, with a forecast until 2025, by region

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International Travel Is Shaking Up The World’s Busiest Airports List

The sheer volume of air passengers last year reflects a robust return to travel — and a shift toward tourism hotspots in Asia and the Middle East.

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Global travelers' preferences are shifting, with the Middle East and Asia gaining ground.

C lose to 8.5 billion passengers took a plane trip last year, according to Airports Council International (ACI) World’s just-released list of the top 10 busiest airports worldwide for 2023.

The total volume of passengers represents a 27% overall jump from 2022, fueled by a 37% boost the international travel market—nearly double the 20% increase for domestic travel. Even more notable is how shifts toward tourism hotspots are shaking up the world order for airports.

The increases themselves are not surprising, as last year was a bumper year for travel spending. Tourists around the world injected nearly $10 trillion into the global economy in 2023, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. That figure represents 9.1% of global GDP.

After crunching the data from over 2,600 airports across more than 180 countries and territories globally, ACI World revealed no change at the top of the busiest-airport list, where Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International has sat at No. 1 for more than two decades. Four other U.S. airports also landed in the top 10: Dallas Fort Worth fell one spot to No. 3; Denver fell three spots to No. 6; Los Angeles fell two spots to No. 8; and Chicago fell five spots to No. 9.

Outside the U.S., there were some very notable shifts reflecting the changing tourism landscape. “Dubai International Airport jumped to second rank for the first time, while Tokyo Haneda International Airport witnessed a remarkable ascent from 16th position in 2022 to 5th in 2023,” said ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira. “Additionally, the unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keep them in top ranks, marking significant progress over [pre-pandemic] 2019.”

World’s Busiest Airports in 2023 (Total Volume)

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL): 104.7M passengers; up 11.7% YOY
• Dubai, UAE (DXB): 87M passengers; up 31.7% YOY
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): 81.8M passengers; up 11.4% YOY
• London Heathrow, UK (LHR): 79.2M passengers; up 28.5% YOY
• Tokyo Haneda, Japan (HND): 78.7M passengers; up 55.1% YOY
• Denver (DEN): 77.8M passengers; up 12.3% YOY
• Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 76M passengers; up 18.3% YOY
• Los Angeles (LAX): 75.1M passengers; up 13.8% YOY
• Chicago O’Hare (ORD): 73.9M passengers; up 8.1% YOY
• Delhi, India (DEL): 72.2M passengers; up 21.4% YOY

Viewed through a wider lens, the 2023 numbers reflect a strengthening of international travel in the Middle East and Asia, said ACI World.

When domestic travel is not included, Dubai International Airport is the world’s No. 1 busiest airport, followed by a trio of European heavyweights: London Heathrow (No. 2), Amsterdam Schiphol (No. 3), and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (No. 4).

On the international stage, the biggest movers were in Asia. Singapore Changi Airport jumped from No. 9 to No. 5, with an eye-popping 83% increase in international volume. Yet it was Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, which made the biggest leap from No. 32 to No. 7, due to a massive 213% boost in international passenger traffic, driven mainly by visitors from Japan, China, Taiwan and and elsewhere in Asia.

World’s Busiest Airports in 2023 (International)

• London Heathrow, UK (LHR): 74.9M passengers; up 28.6% YOY
• Schiphol, Netherlands (AMS): 61.9M passengers; up 17.9% YOY
• Paris Ch.-de-Gaulle, France (CDG): 61.4M passengers; up 18.6% YOY
• Singapore Changi (SIN): 58.4M passengers; up 83.1% YOY
• Istanbul, Turkey (IST): 58.2M passengers; up 20% YOY
• Incheon, So. Korea (ICN): 55.8M passengers; up 212.9% YOY
• Frankfurt, Germany (FRA): 54.1M passengers; up 20.8% YOY
• Doha, Qatar (DOH): 45.9M passengers; up 28.5% YOY
• Madrid, Spain (MAD): 43.8M passengers; up 20.9% YOY

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International tourist figures still millions below pre-COVID levels as slow recovery continues

For two years, Marcela Ribeiro worked three jobs to save for her dream holiday to Australia.

Like millions of people across the globe, the 35-year-old from Brazil had long wanted to explore the country's world-famous destinations, specifically the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforest and sandy beaches. 

"I worked really, really hard, many jobs, to get here," Ms Ribeiro said.  

"The flights were very expensive, so I have to watch everything I spend. I can't afford to eat out in the restaurants every day." 

It's been a similar story for William Grbava from Canada and Amelia Mondido from the Philippines, who last week arrived in Australia for a holiday. 

"It's expensive here, much more than we were expecting. We have only been able to factor in a short stop in Sydney," Mr Grbava said. 

"We just had a beer and a pizza in Circular Quay for $50.

 "What I really wanted to do was drive up the coast to Brisbane, through Byron Bay and those beautiful towns. That's what I did when I was younger. But with the cost of fuel and car rental, it wasn't possible." 

Industry yet to recover to pre-COVID levels 

It's been more than four years since Australia's borders suddenly closed to the rest of the world and became one of the most isolated destinations on the globe. 

COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the country's economy, but nowhere was the pain as instant or more devastating as in the tourism industry. 

In 2019, 8.7 million tourists visited Australia from overseas in an industry that was worth $166 billion. 

New figures from Tourism Research Australia show there were only 6.6 million international visitors last year, a deficit of more than 2 million compared to 2019 levels.  

Victoria experienced the largest loss in international visits at 33 per cent, followed by Queensland at 24 per cent and New South Wales at 22 per cent. 

Nationally, Chinese visitor numbers — which made up the bulk of visitors to Australia pre-pandemic — slumped to 507,000 last year, down from 1.3 million in 2019. 

Figures for the month of February show more than 850,000 people visited Australia, an increase of 257,000 for the same time in 2023, but 7.5 per cent less than pre-COVID levels. 

Gui Lohmann from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism said there were a number of reasons for the slow return of international visitors. 

"The airfares are significantly high and we are under an inflationary situation with labour and food costs," Professor Lohmann said. 

"It could be challenging for Australia to reach above 8 million international visitors in the scenario we are in at the moment." 

Professor Lohmann said cost-of-living pressures were also at play in the return of international tourists, as was a "reset" in European thinking.  

"Many Europeans believe a long-haul trip is quite damaging to the environment and they're also flying less generally," he said. 

"Their domestic airline routes no longer exist [and] have been replaced by train trips." 

He said China's ongoing economic problems, the war in Ukraine and United States' election were also having an impact.  

"It's a much more complicated world we are facing after the pandemic," he said. 

A long road to recovery 

Oxford Economics has forecast it could take until 2025-26 before Australian tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Tourism Australia, a government agency that promotes holidays, said the strongest markets since borders reopened had been New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

"We always knew that the recovery of international travel to Australia would take time, and we have continued to see the steady return of international visitors to our shores," a spokeswoman said. 

Maneka Jayasinghe, a tourism expert at Charles Darwin University, said affordability was a key factor in attracting visitors Down Under.  

She said the state and federal governments should consider subsidising travel to Australia. 

"Measures to reduce costs, such as discounted hotel prices, tourism package deals and food vouchers could be of importance to encourage visitors to Australia," Dr Jayasinghe said. 

"Tourism operators were badly hit during COVID so may not be in a financially viable position to provide further perks to visitors, especially the small-scale operators in smaller states and territories and those operating in remote areas." 

She said re-establishing links with traditional tourism markets, including Japan, was also a potential solution. 

"Countries with a rapidly growing middle class, such as India, could have high potential to grow. Some of the south-east Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, could also be attractive due to their proximity to Australia." 

Dutch tourists Tim Erentsen and Laleh Maleki estimated it would cost them around $16,000 for their three-week holiday in Australia, where they are visiting Sydney, the Whitsundays and Cairns. 

"It has been expensive, especially the flights," Mr Erentsen said. 

Ms Maleki said the couple had travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US and the cost of hotels and food in Australia was comparable. 

"We thought if we were coming all this way and spending the money to get here, we should stay a bit longer, which is adding to the cost," Ms Maleki said. 

But despite that extra cost, she said the trip had been worth it. 

"We love the nature, it feels very safe here. The food is so good and the people are very friendly." 

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Tourism ‘intrinsically susceptible’ to climate shocks, political unrest, pandemic threat

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The President of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday highlighted the urgent need to boost sustainable and resilient tourism practices to protect the environment while continuing to benefit local economies.

Addressing a high-level meeting on tourism as part of the General Assembly’s first ever Sustainability Week , Dennis Francis said it was a vital driver of economic growth and empowerment .

In 2023, the sector contributed three per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to $3.3 trillion, and employed one in every ten people worldwide. For countries in special situations, like small island nations, tourism accounted for nearly 35 per cent of all export earnings and up to 80 per cent of national exports .

“Despite the spectacular benefits reaped across its vast supply chains – tourism is also intrinsically susceptible to a host of disruptive forces – such as climate change, pandemics, acts of terrorism, and domestic political instability,” Mr. Francis said.

Sustainable

He expressed concerns about the sector’s environmental and carbon footprint, saying sustainability must be paramount.

“We need a global tourism sector that is sustainable – one with deep local value chains that expand demand for locally made products and services in ways that also directly and positively benefit local communities,” he urged.

Moreover, he emphasized that the sector should also leverage digital technology to foster innovation and expand opportunities for jobs and economic growth, especially for women, youth, and indigenous and local communities.

“We also need a global tourism sector that is resilient,” said Mr. Francis, stressing the need to minimize its vulnerabilities and bolstering its ability to withstand external shocks.

This includes designing infrastructures that can withstand environmental disasters, fostering innovations that enhance economic and social resilience, and diversifying tourism activities to reduce recovery time after disruptive events.

Symbol of hope

Zurab Pololikashvili, head of the UN World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ), also spoke at the General Assembly, noting that despite today’s pressing challenges, tourism offered a glimmer of hope.

Reflecting on the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic – its most significant crisis in history – he observed that in 2023, international arrivals rebounded to almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels , with full recovery expected by the end of 2024.

This recovery must serve as a catalyst for bold action and transformative change, he said, emphasizing, “tourism can – and must – be a part of this plan for a better future for all.”

Sustainability Week

The high-level event on tourism followed Monday’s deliberations on debt sustainability , where speakers outlined the crippling impact of debt on developing economies, and called for urgent reform of the global financial system.

Upcoming highlights of the week include dedicated discussions on sustainable transport, infrastructure and energy.

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Where nations meet: 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

From February 26 to 28, 2024, 1000 delegates gathered in Ottawa, which is situated on unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory, for the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC). IITC is the largest international Indigenous tourism conference in the world and is hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

Indigenous communities from Turtle Island (also known as North America and in some Indigenous communities is used to refer to Earth as a whole) and beyond met in downtown Ottawa’s Shaw Centre for an unforgettable three-day event. 

This year’s IITC theme was “Where Nations Meet,” a fitting nod to Ottawa's three rivers and the diversity of folks who arrived for the 2024 conference. The convergence of the Ottawa, Gatineau and Rideau Rivers has served as a gathering place for Indigenous communities for thousands of years — and this year, hundreds of international delegates from Colombia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Finland and beyond connected in Ottawa.

The Shaw Centre, winner of “World’s Best Convention Centre” in 2020 by the International Association of Convention Centres, was the ideal place to host IITC. The space is dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for Indigenous events. Recognizing the cultural importance of traditions like smudging, their security team closely monitors fire panels to facilitate seamless smudging ceremonies. Their Event Services team also collaborates with event organizers to designate specific spaces for elders and drumming. Continuing their mission to honour Indigenous cultures, they recently partnered with Indigenous chefs for this conference, integrating traditional foods into their culinary offerings.

The space offers incredibly welcoming staff, flexible meeting spaces without columns and a 200-degree view of Canada’s capital. The building, situated in the heart of the downtown core, is also LEED Gold-certified, a certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) that verifies the facility has enhanced efficiency and low carbon emissions. The beauty, accessibility and flexibility of the venue was the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories of authentic Indigenous experiences, knowledge-sharing and newfound friendships.

The week began with several engaging cultural tours. Delegates explored local Indigenous tourism firsthand with a complimentary ticket for an Indigenous tour. Delegates had a variety of options to choose from, including Indigenous Walks , a walk and talk through downtown Ottawa with an Indigenous lens and a Medicine Bag workshop at Makatew Workshops where delegates crafted a sacred traditional item.

This year’s welcome reception was hosted by Ottawa Tourism and brought to life through culinary storytelling at the Shaw Centre. The event, named Taste of Turtle Island, featured First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Indigenous American and Mexican chefs who crafted incredible plates alongside stunning entertainment such as hoop dancing and musical performances. Delegates were delighted with dishes such as a Three Sisters Taco, smoked elk with candied winter plums and elderberry syrup, sugar-dusted Bannock and more.

With a full day of listening and learning ahead, delegates enjoyed breakfast before the Grand Entry and Protocol Welcome, a ceremonial processional entrance used in many Indigenous ceremonies to begin events. ITAC’s keynote, Vision 2030 kicked off the schedule of sessions with an outline of their goals for the year, as well as an introduction to their strategy to become a world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.

A panel followed with national leaders discussing the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, “Canada 365.” This strategy, which was announced in 2023, marks the first time Indigenous tourism was named a pillar. Other sessions included topics such as emergency preparedness in tourism and how to put reconciliation into action. Air Canada also hosted an Indigenous Youth Empowerment panel that was highly praised by attendees and featured Ottawa’s very own, Jayde Micah, co-owner of Beandigen Café, an Anishinaabe-owned and operated cafe, Indigenous art boutique and event space at Lansdowne Park .

The lively atmosphere continued during breaks and interludes between sessions also featured Indigenous cultural entertainment such as throat singing.

Throughout the conference, attendees could also visit the Artisan Marketplace to browse a variety of pieces crafted by Indigenous artisans. From paintings to beaded earrings to delicious pastries infused with maple, sea buckthorn and sweet clover, attendees were inspired by Indigenous talent just steps away from sessions.

The final day of the conference featured a hilariously engaging Keynote by Drew Hayden Taylor about Indigenous humour. Breakout sessions focused on topics such as cultural appreciation versus appropriation, best practices in advancing international Indigenous-led tourism and how to use modern media with traditional storytelling.

In the evening, folks stepped into the Shaw Centre’s Canada Hall to the bold beats of award-winning DJ Shubb for the Indigenous Tourism Awards & Gala . 

The closing event was a heartfelt opportunity to recognize industry trailblazers and celebrate Indigenous tourism excellence in Canada. Innovative businesses, dedicated tourism associations, epic entrepreneurs and awe-inspiring people were nominated across nine categories . The crowd was electric, encapsulating the spirited energy that remained throughout the three-day occasion. 

Through laughter, learning and listening, the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference contributed to critical conversations about Indigenous perspectives and Indigenous tourism. By sharing stories and knowledge, the three-day agenda was an engaging event that is sure to enhance the visitor experience around the globe. 

Ottawa Tourism says miigwetch (“thank you” in Anishinabe) to local Indigenous tour operators, business owners, storytellers and visitors. Ottawa is honored to have learned more about the importance of Indigenous tourism in our community by hosting this event.

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Global tourism is on the up and up this year

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Next month, Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria will play host to the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE24). It is said to be the biggest tourism event to be held in the country since the pandemic ended.

For those of us in the industry, the ATE24 – held from May 19 to 23 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre – is also one of the largest business-to-business or B2B events in the world. It is hoped that the event will bring lots of benefits to Australia’s inbound tourism market, as well as act as a platform for the country to show off its tourism products to the world.

This will be the 44th edition of the ATE, organised by both Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria.

Many governments have been trying to hold similar events in their own countries but so far, none have been successful. The ATE24 is expected to bring more than 1,500 tour operators from across Australia – along with 700 outbound operators from over 30 countries that organise tours to Australia – under one roof throughout the five-day event, including 18 from Malaysia.

These Aussie players will get to meet their global counterparts face-to-face, and introduce new innovative tourism and ecotourism products, including fun destinations, good food experiences and great souvenirs from Down Under, to potential buyers.

As for me, I have been sending two to four Apple Vacations colleagues from different departments to the event each year, including those from the product development and marketing promotion departments. This allows them to meet up with fellow travel operators and gain first-hand information on Australia’s latest tourism trends and resources.

Having been in the tourism sector for a little over three decades, I realise that Tourism Australia (TA) has always played the unofficial role of “ambassador of friendship” in the industry.

Every year, the agency would set aside a massive budget to bring foreign travel operators as well as media practitioners to Australia, so that they can meet up with tourist product suppliers from the country’s six states and two territories. This not only forges meaningful business ties but also allows foreigners to have a taste of the great Australian hospitality.

I seriously feel that TA has spent its money very wisely and productively.

I myself took two travel groups to Australia in 2022 for more profound and intimate travel experiences in different parts of the country, from which I have come to notice that Australian travel operators are indeed hugely passionate about the marvellous natural environment the country offers. The red and white wines from the vast expanses of vineyards dotting the Australian countryside are aptly complemented by delicious local cuisines, and boosted by cups of stimulating after-dinner coffees.

I admit that I have a special affinity for the Australian flat white ... and have you had an Australian brunch yet? When we were there, we searched high and low for some of the best brunches around, creatively prepared by chefs using fresh local ingredients.

I always tell people that the Australian way of living – somewhat hassle-free and easy-going – is something that travellers should really experience, and enjoy. Through the annual ATE, overseas travel operators will get to experience for themselves this famous Australian way of travelling.

The country has more than enough nature, culture and breathtaking sights that can be enjoyed the “Australian” way, too. However, to truly understand this way of life, travel operators must first discover, feel and appreciate Australia’s unique cultural charms before they can pass it on to travellers from their respective countries.

This has been ATE’s unchanging objective in nearly five decades: sharing the many marvels the country has to offer with everyone else.

Currently, I am planning a 30-day themed Australian tour for autumn 2025 (which is in May), where we will be stepping on the “belly button of the Earth” gazing at the galaxies above, witnessing the thrills of Vivid Sydney and taking on the BridgeClimb challenge, and lastly, savouring the good food and fabulous wines of South Australia.

Australia aside, many other countries around the world are fighting hard today to seize a slice of the tourist economy cake. Even Saudi Arabia, previously shut away from the world, started opening up its borders and welcoming foreign visitors in late 2019.

This was soon followed by the disbursement of generous budgets to woo global travellers via large-scale marketing campaigns.

As if that’s not enough, the desert kingdom is also investing heavily to enhance its tourism infrastructure, constructing brand new airports and hotels, as well as a “futuristic city” called The Line, doing all it can to attract tourists.

Besides Mecca, almost every major Saudi destination is teeming with tourists who are free to roam everywhere. The kingdom has made a significant breakthrough in opening up its tourism sector, and is set to win big as an emerging international destination this year.

Countries across the planet are also lifting their visa restrictions, upping international flight frequencies, and hosting travel fairs and exhibitions. Everyone is vying for the lucrative tourist money to jumpstart the recovery of their tourist sector, raking in foreign exchange earnings and creating job opportunities at the same time.

In fact, the tourism industry has never received so much attention before. Governments are brushing aside all forms of restrictions, initiating unprecedented collaborations and doing all they can to throw their doors wide open to international travellers, which is something quite unseen before.

It appears that the market is overflowing with a vast range of exhilarating tourist products that are bound to put a big smile on every traveller’s face. Soon, tourist promotion authorities worldwide will find themselves intensely pitted against one another to attract tourists.

Even China is fully liberalising its visa requirements for foreign visitors, and this is poised to see many more tourists from the West as well as the rest of Asia flocking to its shores.

Australia’s TA keeps introducing exciting new seasonal tourism activities such as the annual Vivid Sydney event. There is also Yokoso Japan, Korea’s K-pop craze, Macao’s magical spell, Hong Kong’s irresistible dynamism, Dubai’s “Time To Say Dubai” and many more.

Every country is putting in immense sums of money to promote themselves to the world, trying to get travellers to come over and to shop, eat and party till you drop.

The good news is, people are actually travelling, and in every season, too.

Anyway, the tremendous effort to boost tourism is a positive development as it helps promote mutual visits of people from different countries while fortifying cultural and social exchanges. This is the harmonious integration we yearn to see from people living in our Global Village.

The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

Leesan, the globe-trotting traveller who has visited 137 countries and seven continents, enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored five books.

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Nepal Promotes LGBT-Friendly Tourism With First International Rainbow Conference

Nepal hosts its inaugural international rainbow tourism conference, advocating for lgbt rights, inclusivity, and economic growth in the tourism sector..

The main objective is to position Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourism destination.

The first International Rainbow Tourism Conference opened here on Saturday, with Nepal offering itself as a safe and respectful destination in South Asia for the sexual minority community.

The single-day international conference was organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal, a non-governmental organisation.

"This pioneer event organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry," reads a press release issued ahead of the event.

"We are thrilled to host the first rainbow tourism conference in Nepal," said the executive director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal, Sunil Babu Pant, also the first Parliament Member from the LGBT community.

"This conference represents a critical step forward in creating a tourism industry that marks diversity and embraces inclusivity," he said "Nepal can be a perfect destination for pink tourism as the country's constitution recognises the rights of the LGBT community," he added.

The conference's main objective is to position Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourism destination.

The international conference was inaugurated by Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhary, who underlined the need to forge collaboration among different stakeholders to promote LGBT tourism in Nepal.

She said that so far, 3,100 people belonging to the LGBT community have been formally registered in Nepal, though the exact number of people belonging to the community is much higher than that.

Asserting that Nepal has formulated many laws guaranteeing equal treatment and a violence-free atmosphere for the sexual minority community, Cahudhay said that there is a need to pay attention to their effective implementation.

Assuring that the government is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of the LGBT community, she said, "Nepal not only offers a safe and ensuring environment for LGBT travellers, it also offers same-sex marriage and honeymoon destination for the sexual minority community." Issuing a declaration, the conference expressed its unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry.

"This groundbreaking initiative reflects Nepal's steadfast dedication to becoming a beacon of inclusivity in global tourism. As we move forward, we pledge to uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and respect, striving to create a world where every traveller feels embraced and empowered," reads the declaration.

Nepal's Supreme Court in 2007 issued a landmark decision asking the government to formulate laws recognising the identity of the third gender and scrap all discriminatory laws.

In June 2023, through an interim order, it allowed same-sex marriage to be registered legally.

The international conference will see the participation of as many as 120 people, including those belonging to sexual minorities, various non-governmental organisations, activists, writers and media persons from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain and the US.

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Nepal's Supreme Court remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding "justice and equality for all citizens", said Hari Phuyal, Justice at the Supreme Court of Nepal.

"Rainbow tourism not only promises economic growth but represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity and empowerment with the LGBTI community," he said.

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Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary: A Case Study in Dark Sky Tourism

Dark Sky Tourism is an in-demand, sustainable and, in some cases, regenerative tourism experience that serves the dual purposes of providing awe-inspiring opportunities for visitors and reducing the negative impacts of light pollution on people and wildlife. As travelers increasingly seek out stars, awareness of the many benefits of spending time under a dark sky has grown. And not a moment too soon—it’s estimated that 80% of Americans and nearly 33% of all humanity can no longer see the Milky Way from home. This is more than just a visual loss—light pollution is detrimental to human health, alters the behaviors of nocturnal animals and confuses migratory birds.

Unlike our neighbors to the north and south—and most other states in the U.S.—Oregon is fortunate to have an abundance of dark skies. In fact, much of Eastern Oregon comprises of the largest and most pristine dark sky zone in the contiguous United States. Efforts led by the tourism industry and dark sky advocate partners are ensuring we can protect Oregon’s starry sky heritage for generations to come while sharing it with a growing number of dark-sky-loving visitors.

Designating the World’s Largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Thanks to a collaboration led by the team at Travel Southern Oregon, a 2.5-million-acre area of southeastern Oregon was certified in March 2024 as the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary by Dark Sky International . To qualify as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the area had to meet strict criteria for sky quality, commit to protecting the night sky through responsible lighting practices and provide public outreach.

The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network (ODSN), a voluntary grassroots organization dedicated to dark sky conservation on a landscape scale, worked hand-in-hand for four years with partners such as the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Tribes, businesses, ranchers, landowners and other stakeholders to develop a shared Lighting Management Plan (LMP) to achieve certification. With funding support from Travel Oregon and Travel Southern Oregon , a contractor, Dark Sky delegate Dawn Nilsson, was hired by ODSN to manage the application with Dark Sky International and the many elements required to see it to fruition.

“This four-year collaboration brings together so many of the elements we try to achieve in regenerative tourism,” said Bob Hackett, Executive Director of Travel Southern Oregon. “It not only elevates the destination experience for visitors to Lake County and opens up opportunities for local businesses, but it also helps agencies and residents steward their lands in ways that celebrate a legacy of starry night skies for generations to come.”

A Collaborative Process

Extensive industry and community engagement was critical to the success of the collaboration, which began with a Travel Oregon-led Outdoor Recreation Tourism Studio in Lakeview and included numerous conversations with residents and businesses in the region to gauge concerns and public support. This led to Travel Southern Oregon convening public land agencies, Tribes and other stakeholders in an ongoing, multi-year conversation. As ODSN convener, Travel Southern Oregon purchased three Sky Quality Meters to collect the necessary data to document darkness levels on partner-owned land including Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, South Warner Mountains and PLAYA at Summer Lake. Throughout the nomination and subsequent adoption of the sanctuary’s Lighting Management Plan, stakeholders participated in night sky monitoring, lighting inventories and improvements, and retrofits as well as educational outreach efforts that included toolkits, video screenings, presentations, workshops, library programs and other community events and gatherings.

Economic Benefit of Dark Sky Tourism

The economic benefit of creating a destination asset in the remote South Central Oregon Outback is significant. By its very nature, tourism that takes place at night involves overnight stays.

Because dark sky tourism isn’t linked to any kind of seasonality, the experience is available any time of year, including during the historically less-traveled winter season. In fact, the quieter months are associated with longer nights, meaning dark sky tourism has the potential to increase visitor spend year-round, leading to a more efficient use of local community and tourism-related resources. Oregon Outback gateway communities energize these efforts by loaning Night Sky Adventure Kits in public libraries, renting stargazing equipment at outdoor gear shops, selling cosmic cocktails/coffee beverages, leading tours and hosting public star parties, events and film screenings.

As dark sky tourism grows, the model forged by the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network and the unique public-private partnerships cultivated by ODSN can serve as a model for partnership-based destination stewardship efforts in the future.

Dark Sky Sanctuary to Grow

Designation of 2.5 million acres in Lake County as the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary is only the first phase of this effort. Phase 2 includes portions of Harney and Malheur counties as well. The area currently certified is about one-half the size of New Jersey, but when complete, the full Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary will encompass more than 11.4 million acres of protected night skies. Only a few lighting inventories, retrofits and local approvals are still outstanding to expand the Dark Sky Sanctuary.

ADDITIONAL CASE STUDIES

Of course, a formal dark sky designation isn’t necessary to attract dark sky enthusiasts. Many businesses, towns and outfitters are getting creative when it comes to dark sky tourism products and offerings. Promoting dark sky tourism opportunities can support or complement other outdoor recreation offerings while enhancing property values, a community’s sense of pride and even reducing energy waste. A few examples:

Oregon Dark Sky Business Ventures

In the Bend area, dark sky enthusiasts are treated to two public observatories, community ordinances addressing dark sky friendly outdoor lighting, dark sky festivals, programs, guided nighttime cross-country skiing, hiking and boating tours and Worthy Brewing’s ”Hopservatory.” Some businesses offer adventures to experience other nighttime marvels. eNRG Kayaking of Oregon City leads full moon paddle tours near Willamette Falls just south of Portland. They also host evening concerts at Willamette Falls accessible to paddlers . In a win-win partnership with OMSI and volunteers from Rose City Astronomers (RCA) , Willamette Valley wineries and Oregon breweries host star parties to attract potential new clients and make profitable use of their properties, while OMSI and Oregon’s largest astronomy club (the second largest in the nation) attend to their public outreach goals.

Dark Sky Promotion at Oregon Resorts

Large resorts, such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch and the soon-to-reopen Kahneeta Resort in Central Oregon, as well as in Eastern Oregon and Summer Lake Hot Springs in Southern Oregon, provide tourists comfortable accommodations that also provide an onsite nature experience. Keeping things as natural as possible, some degree of dark sky lighting practices are followed at these resorts to provide guests onsite stargazing opportunities as one of many site amenities. Smaller resorts, like Lake Simtustus Resort near Madras, are also incorporating dark sky friendly lighting into their business model to capture the added value of dark sky tourism.

Cities Highlighting Dark Sky Tourism

In eastern Oregon, the town of Antelope is currently working toward earning a Dark Sky Community designation. And on the Oregon Coast, towns such as Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Yachats and Bandon have long attracted tourists lured by the charms of a quaint community focused on protecting its natural amenities. Consistent with city codes that maintain an aesthetic and progressive community character, these cities also have outdoor lighting codes that address light pollution. Seaside , a developed coastal town, provides a fine example of adopting an outdoor lighting code that diminishes the effect of skyglow encroachment into surrounding areas of the coast. Dark sky ordinances are a proactive way for communities and counties to protect the night sky in and near their locales, while also providing opportunities to promote dark sky tourism.

Dark Sky Tourism at Parks and Monuments

Astronomical and wildlife nighttime programming at places such as L.L. Stubb Stewart; Silver Falls State Parks; Oregon Caves National Monument; Newberry Crater; and John Day Fossil Beds National Monuments benefit not only the parks and monuments themselves, but also the gateway communities near these public lands. Education regarding night sky amenities contributes to dark sky stewardship and promotes economic opportunities from dark sky tourism.

For additional details, information or to schedule a free Dark Sky Tourism consultation with an expert, visit Travel Oregon’s Dark Sky Tourism resource page .

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Travel Southern Oregon
• Dark Sky International
• Dark Sky Oregon

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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International tourism growth continues to outpace the global economy

• All Regions
• 20 Jan 2020

1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2019, globally. A 4% increase on the previous year which is also forecast for 2020, confirming tourism as a leading and resilient economic sector, especially in view of current uncertainties. By the same token, this calls for such growth to be managed responsibly so as to best seize the opportunities tourism can generate for communities around the world.

According to the first comprehensive report on global tourism numbers and trends of the new decade, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, this represents the tenth consecutive year of growth.

All regions saw a rise in international arrivals in 2019. However, uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the collapse of Thomas Cook, geopolitical and social tensions and the global economic slowdown all contributed to a slower growth in 2019, when compared to the exceptional rates of 2017 and 2018. This slowdown affected mainly advanced economies and particularly Europe and Asia and the Pacific.

Looking ahead, growth of 3% to 4% is predicted for 2020, an outlook reflected in the latest UNWTO Confidence Index which shows a cautious optimism: 47% of participants believe tourism will perform better and 43% at the same level of 2019. Major sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics, and cultural events such as Expo 2020 Dubai are expected to have a positive impact on the sector.

Responsible growth

Presenting the results, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that “in these times of uncertainty and volatility, tourism remains a reliable economic sector”. Against the backdrop of recently downgraded global economic perspectives, international trade tensions, social unrest and geopolitical uncertainty, “our sector keeps outpacing the world economy and calling upon us to not only grow but to grow better”, he added.

Given tourism’s position as a top export sector and creator of employment, UNWTO advocates the need for responsible growth. Tourism has, therefore, a place at the heart of global development policies, and the opportunity to gain further political recognition and make a real impact as the Decade of Action gets underway, leaving just ten years to fulfill the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Middle East leads

The Middle East has emerged as the fastest-growing region for international tourism arrivals in 2019, growing at almost double the global average (+8%). Growth in Asia and the Pacific slowed down but still showed above-average growth, with international arrivals up 5%.

Europe where growth was also slower than in previous years (+4%) continues to lead in terms of international arrivals numbers, welcoming 743 million international tourists last year (51% of the global market). The Americas (+2%) showed a mixed picture as many island destinations in the Caribbean consolidated their recovery after the 2017 hurricanes while arrivals fell in South America due partly to ongoing social and political turmoil. Limited data available for Africa (+4%) points to continued strong results in North Africa (+9%) while arrivals in Sub-Saharan Africa grew slower in 2019 (+1.5%).

Tourism spending still strong

Against a backdrop of global economic slowdown, tourism spending continued to grow, most notably among the world’s top ten spenders. France reported the strongest increase in international tourism expenditure among the world’s top ten outbound markets (+11%), while the United States (+6%) led growth in absolute terms, aided by a strong dollar.

However, some large emerging markets such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia reported declines in tourism spending. China, the world’s top source market saw outbound trips increase by 14% in the first half of 2019, though expenditure fell 4%.

Tourism delivering ‘much-needed opportunities’

“The number of destinations earning US$1 billion or more from international tourism has almost doubled since 1998,” adds Mr Pololikashvili. “The challenge we face is to make sure the benefits are shared as widely as possible and that nobody is left behind. In 2020, UNWTO celebrates the Year of Tourism and Rural Development , and we hope to see our sector lead positive change in rural communities, creating jobs and opportunities, driving economic growth and preserving culture.”

This latest evidence of the strength and resilience of the tourism sector comes as the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary . During 2020, through the UN75 initiative the UN is carrying out the largest, most inclusive conversation on the role of global cooperation in building a better future for all, with tourism to be high on the agenda.

Related Links

• Download Excerpt of World Tourism Barometer, January 2020 (PDF)
• UNWTO World Tourism Barometer Nº18 January 2020
• Tourism in the 2030 Agenda
• Presentation (PDF)
• Infographics

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