International tourist arrivals 1.4 billion, tourism generating US$ 5 billion per day
Travel Biz News —
International tourist arrivals grew 5 per cent in 2018,to reach the 1.4 billion mark, two years ahead of the World Tourism Organization’s long-term forecasts, according to the UNWTO International Tourism Highlights, 2019 Edition.
At the same time, export earnings generated by tourism grew to USD 1.7 trillion, an increase of 4 per cent outpacing the world economy in 2018.
In addition to the US$ 1.5 trillion in receipts that destinations earned, international tourism generated another US$ 256 billion from international passenger transport taken by non-residents. This raised total tourism exports to USD 1.7 trillion, or USD 5 billion a day.
Released as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) prepares to meet for its 23rd General Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, this yearly report provides a consolidated analysis of international tourism. 2018 was the ninth consecutive year of sustained growth and tourism now represents 7% of global exports, growing at a faster rate than merchandise exports for the last seven years.
Other key findings from the UNWTO International Tourism Highlights 2019 report include:
• Asia and the Pacific and Africa led growth in arrivals with a 7 per cent increase in 2018, while Asia and the Pacific and Europe enjoyed above-average growth in tourism earnings.
• Among the world’s top 10 destinations in arrivals and receipts, France continued to lead in international tourist arrivals, while the United States remained the largest tourism earner in 2018. Japan entered the top 10 earners ranking following seven years of double-digit growth in international tourism receipts.
• The top 10 tourism earners account for almost half of total tourism receipts, while the top 10 destinations in arrivals receive 40% of worldwide arrivals.
• China remained the world’s largest spender, with USD 277 billion spending on international tourism in 2018 or one-fifth of international tourism expenditure, followed by the United States.
• 4 out of 5 tourists visit a destination in their own region.
• 58% of all international tourists arrive to their destinations by air. The share of air travel has increased from 46% in 2000 to 58% in 2018.
• The share of leisure travel has grown from 50% in 2000 to 56% in 2018. Leisure travel is the main purpose of visit in all world regions except the Middle East, where visiting friends and relatives (VFR), or for health or religious purposes predominates.
• The share of world population requiring a traditional visa declined from 75% in 1980 to 53% in 2018. Source : UNWTO
Photo: Hong Kong / Travel Biz News
