International tourist arrivals grew by 4.6% in the first half of 2014 according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Destinations worldwide received 517 million international tourists between January and June 2014, 22 million more than in the same period of 2013.
Growth was strongest in the Americas (+6%) followed by Asia and the Pacific and Europe (both at +5%). By sub region, South Asia and Northern Europe (both +8%) were the best performers, together with North-East Asia and Southern Mediterranean Europe (both +7%).
For the full year 2014, international tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 4% to 4.5% worldwide, above UNWTO’s long-term forecast of 3.8% per year for the period 2010 to 2020.
Growth picked up significantly in the Americas (+6%). All four sub regions benefited, with North America, boosted by Mexico, Central and South America all increasing by 6%, and the Caribbean by 5%. In South America (+6%), the hosting of the Football World Cup in Brazil contributed to the positive results in the sub region – receipts from international tourism in Brazil grew by 10% in the first seven months of the year with a 60% increase in June and July.
Asia and the Pacific (+5%) consolidated the trend of recent years, with South Asia (+8%) and North-East Asia (+7%) in the lead and major destinations such as Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia posting double-digit growth rates. The region has been benefiting from economic growth, continuous investment in infrastructure and simpler visas.
Europe (+5%), the most visited region in the world, continued the strong pace of growth of 2013, driven so far this year by Northern Europe (+8%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+7%). These results reflect improved consumer confidence in Europe and the rebound of important traditional European source markets.
Africa’s international tourist numbers grew by 3% as the recovery consolidated in North Africa (+4%). The Ebola virus outbreak might affect tourism to the region due to misperceptions about the transmission of the virus. The World Health Organization does not recommend any ban on international travel. Putting a halt on flights or imposing unnecessary travel restrictions will not help contain the virus.
International tourist arrivals in the Middle East are down by 4%, though this figure should be taken with caution as it is based on limited available data for the region.
In terms of source markets, data for the first half of 2014 shows a consolidation of the rebound in spending in travel abroad in 2013 in some advanced economies. Expenditure out of the Italian and Australian markets was up 8% and 7%, respectively, while the US market was up by 5%. Data for France and Canada indicates a 3% increase.
Demand generated by emerging markets continues to be strong, though decelerating as compared to 2013. Chinese outbound expenditure was up 16% in the first half of the year as compared to 26% in the whole of 2013, while expenditure out of the Russian Federation was up by 4% as compared to 25% last year.