World Tourism: WTO notes a 6% increase in the first 4 months of 2018

The World Tourism Organization (WTO), announces a 6% increase over this period.
Strong growth was recorded in the first four months for global tourism. This is revealed by the « World Tourism Organization (WTO) World Tourism Barometer ».

According to the Omt, international tourist arrivals increased by 6% in the first four months of 2018 compared to the same period last year. The Omt reports that these figures, which continue the strong trend observed in 2017 (+7%), even exceed the Omt forecasts for 2018 (+4% to +5%). She pointed out that growth was driven by Asia-Pacific (+8%) and Europe (+7%). Africa (+6%), the Middle East (+4%) and the Americas (+3%) also posted solid results. « International tourism continues to grow strongly around the world, resulting in job creation in many economies. This growth reminds us of the need to strengthen our capacity to develop and manage tourism in a sustainable way, by building smart destinations and making the most of technology and innovation, » said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

« From January to April 2018, international arrivals increased in all regions combined. Asia-Pacific (+8%) led the growth, driven by the results of Southeast Asia (+10%) and South Asia (+9%), » the statement says. Europe, the world’s leading tourist region, it is reported, also recorded solid results during these four months (+7%), thanks to the dynamism of destinations in Southern and Mediterranean Europe and Western Europe (+8% in both cases).
Growth in the Americas is estimated at 3%, with South America (+8%) posting the best performance. The Omt reports that the Caribbean (-9 per cent) is the only subregion to experience a decline in arrivals during the period, with some destinations still suffering from the effects of the hurricanes of August and September 2017. « Limited information from Africa and the Middle East suggests growth of 6% and 4%, respectively, confirming the rebound in Middle East destinations and the consolidation of growth in Africa, » explains the Omt.