Nowadays International tourism has got a sustained growth which is beyond expectation and is maintaining economic growth in both developed and developing countries. International tourism generated US $1.4 trillion in 2013 while tourism arrivals at an international level also grew by 5% reaching 1087 million last year. Growth in international tourists last year was on a par with growth in income generated by over one billion tourists that travelled the world in 2013, for business, leisure, visiting friends and family or other purposes.
According to UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, among the 25 largest international tourism beneficiaries, receipts saw double-digit growth in ten destinations including :the United States (+11 percent), Macao (China, +10 percent), the United Kingdom (+18 percent), Thailand (+28 percent), Hong Kong (China, +21 percent), Turkey (+13 percent), India (+13 percent), Japan (+23 percent), Greece (+15 percent) and Taiwan (+12 percent).
U.S.
In the nation’s first-ever National Travel and Tourism Strategy (NTTS) released by President Obama in May 2012, a tourism goal of 100 Million Visitors by 2021 was set. Present trends show that the country is on track to exceed the set targets.
Europe
In the world’s most visited region - Europe, international tourist arrivals grew by 6% led by above-average results in Central and Eastern Europe (+7%) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+6%).
Europe is likely to reach a 3.8% annual growth in foreign visitor arrivals in the coming 3 years as per the growth forecast.
Accounting for a total of 27% of European travel demand, the main players like UK, Germany & USA are expected to retain their lead positions. The 3rd largest contribution to total growth in the next 3 years will be made by Russia. Meanwhile China is less likely to emerge as a big player as an origin market for Europe.
Author: Anush Mathews
Anush works as QA Lead in Teknokraaft and works with our OTA team.