International tourist arrivals increased almost 5% in the first half of 2014.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO, destinations worldwide welcomed 517 million overseas tourists between January and June 2014, 22m, or 4.6%, more than in the same period last year.
By region, South Asia and Northern Europe (both +8%) achieved the strongest growth, together with Northeast Asia and Mediterranean Europe (both +7%).
“These results show that tourism is consolidating the positive performance of recent years, providing development and economic opportunities worldwide”, said UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai. “Indeed, despite geopolitical and economic challenges, the number of international tourist arrivals has grown by 5% a year on average since 2010, a trend that has translated into more economic growth, more exports and more jobs”, he added.
So far, the first half results are in line with the UNWTO forecast issued at the beginning of 2014. For the full year, international arrivals are expected to increase by 4-4.5% worldwide, ahead of the UNWTO’s long-term growth forecast of 3.8% per year for the period 2010 to 2020.
Tourism growth picked up significantly in the Americas (+6%), with North America, Central and South America all increasing by 6%, and the Caribbean by 5%. In South America (+6%), the hosting of the World Cup in Brazil contributed to the positive results.
Asia Pacific (+5%) consolidated the growth trend of recent years, with South Asia (+8%) and Northeast Asia (+7%) leading the way, and major destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Malaysia posting double-digit growth. The UNWTO noted that the region has benefited from investment in infrastructure and visa facilitation measures.
Europe (+5%), the most visited region in the world, continued the strong pace of growth of 2013, driven by Northern (+8%) and Mediterranean Europe (+7%). Africa’s international tourist numbers grew by 3%, but the UNWTO noted that the Ebola outbreak might affect tourism to the region in the second half of the year.
“The main focus at the moment is on taking and supporting action to contain the virus. But we must also ensure that misperceptions do not unnecessarily harm the African economy, in particular its travel and tourism sector, which is a central activity in many countries,” said Rifai.
“We would like to stress that the World Health Organization does not recommend any ban on international travel. Putting a halt on flights or imposing unnecessary travel restrictions will not help contain the virus. On the contrary, these measures will surely dampen the economy of the region, especially its travel and tourism sector, and jeopardize millions of livelihoods,” he added.
International tourist arrivals in the Middle East are estimated to be down by 4%.
In terms of outbound travel, emerging markets continues drive demand. Chinese overseas tourism expenditure jumped 16% in the first half of the year, while Russian tourism expenditure increased 4%.
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