Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Opinion
  • Tech

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
Valerie Chen
Valerie ChenSenior Editor

Share

International Tourism Is at an All-Time High

Jul 08, 2018
International Tourism Is at an All-Time High
Asia is leading the way in tourism this year.
Credit: 2018 Getty Images

What:
According to the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) recent World Tourism Barometer report, international tourism has exceeded what was forecasted for 2018. This includes a growth of 6 percent in January to April compared to the same period last year.

Why It Matters:
The surge in international tourism is led by Asia and the Pacific, which experienced an 8 percent year-over-year increase. Europe followed close behind with a 7 percent increase. The Caribbean’s arrivals fell 9 percent due to continued post-natural-disaster efforts; however, it was the only subregion that experienced a decrease in arrivals. Looking forward, confidence in global tourism remains extremely strong, which is good news for travel agents.

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Fast Facts:
- According to UNWTO’s Panel of Tourism Experts survey, the outlook for the May to August period is one of the most optimistic in a decade, with an especially upbeat sentiment in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. 

- Asia and the Pacific’s growth features an emphasis in the Southeast Asia and South Asia regions.

- Hot destinations within Europe included Southern and Mediterranean Europe, as well as Western Europe.

- Growth in the Americas is estimated at 3 percent, led by South America at 8 percent.

- Africa and the Middle East are estimated at 6 percent and 4 percent growth respectively; however, there is limited information coming from both destinations.

What They Are Saying:
“International tourism continues to show significant growth worldwide, and this translates into job creation in many economies,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general for UNWTO. “This growth reminds us of the need to increase our capacity to develop and manage tourism in a sustainable way, building smart destinations and making the most of technology and innovation.”

The Details
World Tourism Organization
www2.unwto.org

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

LastChanceTourismAntaractica

Endangered Places to Visit Now in a Sustainable Way

  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. How to Travel With Pets to Mexico
  2. A Sweet History of Chocolate With York's Chocolate Story
  3. Hotel Review: Hotel Manapany on St. Barts
  4. Kona Village Taps Rosewood to Manage, Moves Opening to 2022
  5. Top Hawaii Hotel Activities for Solo Travelers
  1. The Country of Georgia's Top Adventure Activities
  2. African-American Travel Market Valued at $63 Billion
  3. 3 of the Best Places to Visit in Antarctica
  4. An In-Depth Look at Why Travel Agents Should Promote Diversity
  5. 3 Unique Animal Encounters in the Galapagos Islands

More Stories Like This

A Case for Traveling With Grandparents

A Case for Traveling With Grandparents

Avanti Destinations Unveils New Website

Avanti Destinations Unveils New Website

CLIA Reintroduces Certifications for Cruise Lines

CLIA Reintroduces Certifications for Cruise Lines

Family Travel Association Launches Dude Ranch Guide for Travel Advisors

Family Travel Association Launches Dude Ranch Guide for Travel Advisors

Travel Advisors Should Focus on Diversity in Travel

Travel Advisors Should Focus on Diversity in Travel

African-American Travel Market Valued at $63 Billion

African-American Travel Market Valued at $63 Billion

Celebrating Travel Agents for 50 Years

Celebrating Travel Agents for 50 Years

Travel Institute Offers Programs for New Agents

Travel Institute Offers Programs for New Agents

Virtuoso Unveils Best of the Best for 2019

Virtuoso Unveils Best of the Best for 2019

2019 Expected to Be Another Strong Year for Travel Industry

2019 Expected to Be Another Strong Year for Travel Industry

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • Travel 42
  • STAR Service Online
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Meeting News
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Business Travel News
  • Travel Procurement
  • The Beat
  • Phocuswright
  • Web In Travel
Copyright © 2019 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here