UNWTO: Strong tourism results in the first part of 2017

unwtoETN_3 International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 6% in January-April of 2017 compared to the same period last year, with business confidence reaching its highest levels in a decade, reports UNWTO.

Sustained growth in most major destinations and a steady rebound in others drove results. Prospects for May-August 2017 remain high, says the agency.

Destinations worldwide received 369 million international tourists (overnight visitors) in the first four months of the year, 21 million more than in the same months of 2016 (+6%), according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

The January-April period usually represents about 28% of the yearly total and covers the winter season of the Northern Hemisphere and the summer season of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the Chinese New Year and Easter holidays, among others.

International arrivals reported by destinations around the world were positive overall, with very few exceptions. Most of 2016’s strong performers maintained momentum, while destinations that struggled in previous years continued to rebound in the first part of 2017. This is especially reflected in the better results of the Middle East (+10%), Africa (+8%) and Europe (+6%).

Asia and the Pacific (6%) and the Americas (+4%) continued to enjoy robust growth.

“Destinations that were affected by negative events during 2016 are showing clear signs of recovery in a very short period of time…,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.

 

Regional Results

International arrivals in the Americas were up 4% with strong results in South America and Central America (both +7%), while arrivals in North America grew by 3% and in the Caribbean by 2%.

International arrivals in Europe (+6%) rebounded in January-April after mixed results last year, as confidence returned to some destinations that were impacted by security incidents. Results improved particularly in Southern Mediterranean Europe (+9% as compared to +1% in 2016) and Western Europe (+4% as opposed to +0% in 2016). Northern Europe (+9%) continued to record strong growth, while Central and Eastern Europe recorded 4% more international arrivals, in line with results of last year.

In Asia and the Pacific, international arrivals were up 6% through April with sound results across all four sub-regions. South Asia (+14%) led growth, followed by Oceania (+7%), South-East Asia (+6%) and North-East Asia (+5%).

Limited data available for Africa points to an 8% increase in international arrivals, with North Africa (+18%) recovering strongly. International arrivals in the Middle East rebounded by an estimated 10% following a 4% decline in 2016.

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Top tourism earners and spenders, 2016. Released by the UNWTO July 2017.

Top tourism earners and spenders, 2016. Released by the UNWTO July 2017.