|
International tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980
million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. With growth
expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist
arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year.
Arrivals are expected to increase by 3% to 4%, reaching the historic one billion
mark by the end of the year. Emerging economies will regain the lead with
stronger growth in Asia and the Pacific and Africa (4% to 6%), followed by the
Americas and Europe (2% to 4%). The Middle East (0% to +5%) is forecast to start
to recover part of its losses from 2011.
These prospects are confirmed by the UNWTO Confidence Index. The 400 UNWTO Panel
of Experts from around the globe, expects the tourism sector to perform
positively in 2012, though somewhat weaker than last year.
|
