International
tourist arrivals grew by 4% in 2012 to reach 1.035 billion, according
to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
Emerging
economies (+4.1%) regained the lead over advanced economies (+3.6%),
with Asia and the Pacific showing the strongest results. Growth is
expected to continue in 2013 only slightly below the 2012 level (+3%
to +4%) and in line with UNWTO long term forecast.
With
an additional 39 million international tourists, up from 996 million
in 2011, international tourist arrivals surpassed 1 billion (1.035
billion) for the first time in history in 2012. Demand held well
throughout the year, with a stronger than expected fourth quarter.
By
region, Asia and the Pacific (+7%) was the best performer, while by
sub-region South-East Asia, North Africa (both at +9%) and Central
and Eastern Europe (+8%) topped the ranking.
“2012
saw continued economic volatility around the globe, particularly in
the Eurozone. Yet international tourism managed to stay on course”
said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “The sector has shown
its capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions and,
although at a slightly more modest rate, is expected to continue
expanding in 2013. Tourism is thus one of the pillars that should be
supported by governments around the world as part of the solution to
stimulating economic growth,” he added.
UNWTO
forecasts international tourist arrivals to increase by 3% to 4% in
2013, much in line with its long term forecast for 2030: +3.8% a year
on average between 2010 and 2020. This outlook is confirmed by the
UNWTO Confidence Index. Compiled among over 300 experts worldwide,
the Index shows that prospects for 2013 are similar to the evaluation
of last year (124 points for 2013 against 122 for 2012).
By
region, prospects for 2013 are stronger for Asia and the Pacific (+5%
to +6%), followed by Africa (+4% to +6%), the Americas (+3% to +4%),
Europe (+2% to +3%) and the Middle East (0% to +5%).
Emerging
economies regain the lead
In
2012, growth was stronger in emerging economies (+4.1%)
as compared to
advanced economies (+3.6%), a trend which has marked the sector for
many years now.
International
tourist arrivals to Europe,
the most visited region in the world, were up by 3%; a very positive
result in view of the
economic situation,
and following a strong 2011 (+6%). Total arrivals reached 535
million, 17 million more than in 2011. By sub-region, Central and
Eastern Europe destinations (+8%) experienced the best results,
followed by Western Europe (+3%). Destinations in Southern
Mediterranean Europe (+2%) consolidated their excellent performance
of 2011 and returned in 2012 to their normal growth rates.
Asia
and the Pacific (+7%)
was up by 15 million arrivals in 2012, reaching a total 233 million
international tourists. South-East Asia (+9%) was the best performing
sub-region much due to the implementation of policies that foster
intraregional cooperation and coordination in tourism. Growth was
also strong in North-East Asia (+6%), as Japaneseinbound
and outbound tourism recovered, while it was comparatively weaker in
South Asia (+4%) and in Oceania (+4%).
The
Americas (+4%)
saw an increase of 6 million arrivals, reaching 162 million in total.
Leading the growth were destinations in Central America (+6%), while
South America, up by 4%, showed some slowdown as compared to
the double-digit growth of 2010 and 2011. The Caribbean (+4%), on the
other hand, is performing above the previous two years, while North
America (+3%) consolidated its 2011 growth.
Africa (+6%)
recovered well from its setback in 2011 when arrivals declined by 1%
due largely to the negative results of North Africa. Arrivals reached
a new
record (52
million) due to the rebound in North Africa (+9% as compared to
a 9% decline in 2011) and to the continued growth of Sub-Saharan
destinations (+5%). Results in the Middle East (-5%) improved after a
7% decline in 2011, yet the region recorded an estimated 3 million
international tourist arrivals less in 2012 in spite of the clear
recovery in Egypt.
Receipts
confirm positive trend in arrivals
Available
data on international tourism receipts and expenditure for 2012
covering at least the first nine months of the year confirm the
positive trend in arrivals.
Among
the top ten tourist destinations, receipts were up significantly
in Hong
Kong (China) (+16%), the USA (+10%), the UK
(+6%) and Germany (+5%). At the same time, a significant number of
destinations around the world saw receipts from international tourism
increase by 15% or more – Japan (+37%), India and South Africa
(both +22%), Sweden and the Republic of Korea (both +19%), Thailand
(+18%) and Poland (+16%).
Traditional
source markets show renewed dynamism
Although
the highest growth rates in expenditure abroad among the ten top
markets came from emerging economies – China (+42%) and Russia
(+31%) – important traditional source markets, showed particularly
good results. In Europe, and despite economic pressures, expenditure
on international tourism by Germany held well at +3%, while the UK
(+5%) returned to growth after two flat years. In the Americas, both
the USA and Canada grew at 7%. On the other hand, France (-7%) and
Italy (-2%) registered declines in
travel expenditure.
Smaller
markets with significant growth were Venezuela (+31%), Poland (+19%),
Philippines (+17%), Malaysia (+15%), Saudi Arabia (+14%), Belgium
(+13%), Norway and Argentina (both +12%), Switzerland and Indonesia
(both +10%).
