UNWTO: global tourism up 4.4% in 2015

International tourist arrivals grew by 4.4 per cent in 2015 to reach a total of 1,184 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

Some 50 million more tourists (overnight visitors) travelled to international destinations around the world last year as compared to 2014; last year marked the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth, with international arrivals increasing by four per cent or more every year since the post-crisis year of 2010.

Demand was strong overall, though with mixed results across individual destinations due to unusually strong exchange rate fluctuations, the drop in oil prices and other commodities which increased disposable income in importing countries but weakened demand in exporters, as well as increased safety and security concerns.

By region, Europe, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific all recorded around five per cent growth in 2015. Arrivals to the Middle East increased by three per cent while in Africa, limited data available, points to an estimated three per cent decrease, mostly due to weak results in North Africa, which accounts for over one third of arrivals in the region.

Results from the UNWTO Confidence Index remain largely positive for 2016, though at a slightly lower level as compared to the previous two years. Based on the current trend and this outlook, UNWTO projects international tourist arrivals to grow by four per cent worldwide in 2016.

By region, growth is expected to be stronger in Asia and the Pacific (+4% to +5%) and the Americas (+4% to +5%), followed by Europe (+3.5% to +4.5%). The projections for Africa (+2% to 5%) and the Middle East (+2% to +5%) are positive, though with a larger degree of uncertainty and volatility.