MANILA, Philippines – International tourism has sustained its above-average growth, reaching almost 1.2 billion arrivals for 2015, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer.
International tourist arrivals grew 4.4 percent to 1.184 billion and marked the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth, with arrivals increasing an average four percent yearly since the post-crisis in 2010.
“Tourism reached new heights in 2015 with results influenced by exchange rates, oil prices and natural and man-made crises in many parts of the world. The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world,” UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said.
Europe led the growth with five percent reaching 609 million arrivals supported by a weaker euro vis-à-vis the US dollar and other main currencies.
The Asia-Pacific and the American region also posted five percent growth recording 277 million and 191 million total arrivals, respectively.
International tourist arrivals in the Middle East grew an estimated three percent to a total of 54 million while preliminary data for Africa points to a three percent decline to 53 million for 2015.
Meanwhile, the UNWTO projects international arrivals to grow at a slightly lower four percent worldwide for 2016 but overall prospects remain positive and will continue to record above-average growth.
By region, growth is expected to be stronger in Asia-Pacific and the Americas with a maximum of five percent rise, followed by Europe at 4.5 percent increase.
Tourism accounted 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and contributed approximately $1.5 trillion in exports for 2015.
The UNWTO Tourism Towards 2030 forecast tourist arrivals to continue growing at a sustained pace of an average 3.3 percent annually, reaching 1.8 billion by 2030.