As the economy shows signs of recovery, the travel industry is experiencing a surge in activity.
In 2012, over one billion individuals embarked on international journeys, marking a record high, as reported by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Additionally, five to six million people engaged in domestic travel within their respective countries during the same period.
This unprecedented number reflects a significant increase in international travel compared to the figures from 1990, when 435 million tourists crossed international borders. The surge in global tourism illustrates a more than doubling of travel activity over the past three decades.
Europe stands out as a prominent source of international travelers, contributing to 53 percent of the total international visitor count. In contrast, Asia accounted for 22 percent, and the Americas for 17 percent of international tourists.
While the UNWTO doesn’t specify the exact countries these tourists visited, it does categorize the most popular destinations by continent. Europe emerged as the primary destination, attracting 51 percent of international tourists, followed by Asia/Pacific with 22 percent, and the Americas with 16 percent.
Capitalizing on this upward trend in international tourism, the UNWTO initiated the “1 Billion Tourists, 1 Billion Opportunities” campaign. This initiative encourages responsible tourism practices, urging travelers to support local economies, respect cultural nuances, utilize public transportation, and preserve heritage sites.
International tourism holds a substantial economic footprint, constituting 9% of global GDP (direct, indirect, and induced impact), generating one in every 12 jobs, and contributing to six percent of world trade, according to the UNWTO.