In the first half of 2019, international tourism grew by 4% worldwide, according to the latest barometer from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The largest increase was recorded in the Middle East (8%) due to the religious events of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in June – the Feast of the End of Fasting. In Asia and the Pacific, tourism increased by 6%, mostly due to outbound travel from China.
In South America the sector suffered a 5% drop, which the UNWTO reports is partly due to a decrease in outbound travel from Argentina that affected neighbouring destinations. It also warns of a drop in tourism spending by the two major economies, Brazil (-5%) and Mexico (-13%).
The rest of the world experienced a moderate improvement:In Europe, tourism grew by 4% due in part to interregional demand, and in North America and Africa by 2%. The Caribbean region with its 11% growth in tourism, mostly from US tourists.
In total, the number of international tourists grew to 671 million, 30 million more than in the same period in 2018.
Among the drivers of these results, UNWTO points to a strong economy, affordable air travel, increased air connectivity and improved visa facilitation.
However, weak economic indicators, prolonged uncertainty over Brexit, trade and technological tensions and growing geopolitical challenges have begun to affect business and consumer confidence, UNWTO warns.
?Our latest #Barometer report is out now and it shows a 4% increase in international arrivals in the first half of 2⃣0⃣1⃣9⃣.
?Find out more: https://t.co/jWeH1ytFdz pic.twitter.com/mEOS3TvNAd
— World Tourism Organization (@UNWTO) September 9, 2019
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