Global Tourism
Key Facts and Figures
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) estimates there were 924 million international visitor arrivals globally in 2008, a 2% increase over 2007. Europe received 53% of all international visitor arrivals (489 million), Asia Pacific received 20% (188 million), Americas received 16% (148 million), the Middle East received 6% (53 million) and Africa received 5% (47 million).
Growth in visitor arrivals globally is forecast at 0% to -2% for the 2009 year. The Americas and Europe are likely to be the most affected regions in terms of overall tourism results. While in Asia and the Pacific, results are expected to be positive, although growth will continue to be slower compared with the region’s performance in recent years.
Source: UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
WTO - World Tourism Organisation
The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) is an agency of the United Nations that acts as a global forum for tourism policy issues and the dissemination of tourism knowledge. It plays a role in promoting technology transfers and international cooperation, stimulating public-private sector partnerships and in encouraging the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Membership in the WTO is comprised of 144 countries, 7 territories and more than 300 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
Key research elements of the www.unwto.org site are:
- Topline data
- Market trends
- Market intelligence
- Forecasts
WTTC - World Travel and Tourism Council
The Word Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) was established in 1990 as the global forum representing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Its mission is to raise awareness of the full economic and employment impact of the global travel and tourism industry. In partnership with Oxford Economic Forecasting the WTTC annually undertakes the Tourism Satellite Accounts as a means for measuring the economic impact of tourism on national economies. Following the Global Travel and Tourism Summit in May 2007 the WTTC produced the publication Breaking Barriers – Managing Growth to focus stakeholders on emerging issues and the possible responses.
Key research elements of the www.wttc.org are:
- Tourism Satellite Account
- Blueprint for New Tourism
