International Tourist Arrivals Up 4%
International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 4% between January and June, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015.
Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving 9% more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions. In the Americas, international arrivals increased by 4%, led by Central America and South America.
Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others. In Africa (+5%), Sub-Saharan destinations rebounded strongly, while North Africa continued to report weak results. Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of 9% in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.
“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust.”
He added, “Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers. It is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility.”
