Destinations worldwide received 561 million international tourists (overnight visitors), 21 million more than in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

Asia and the Pacific demonstrated renewed strength this first half of 2016, receiving nine per cent more international arrivals, the highest growth across world regions.

Comparatively, limited data available for Africa points to a five per cent increase in international arrivals, with Sub-Saharan Africa recovering vigorously with more than 12 per cent growth, three times higher than the world average, but North Africa went down by nine per cent.

In the Americas, international arrivals increased by four per cent, led by Central America and South America. Europe (+3%) showed mixed results, with solid growth in many destinations offset by weaker performance in others.

Limited data for the Middle East points to an estimated decrease of nine per cent in international arrivals this six-month period, though results vary from destination to destination.

“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust,” the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Mr Taleb Rifai, said.

“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility,” he added.

Regional Results

Growth accelerated in Asia and the Pacific with international arrivals up 9% through June, driven by robust intraregional demand. Oceania (+10%) led growth, followed by North-East Asia, South-East Asia (both +9%) and South Asia (+7%).

International tourist arrivals to Europe grew by three per cent between January and June 2016, with mixed results across destinations. Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe both recorded five per cent more international arrivals.

Though many destinations posted positive results, growth in both Western Europe (+1%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) was slow.

International arrivals in the Americas were up by four per cent in the first half of the year, in line with the world average. Strong US outbound flows continued to benefit many destinations across the region. Central America and South America (both +6%) led growth, while arrivals in both the Caribbean and North America grew by four per cent.

International arrivals in the Middle East decreased by an estimated nine per cent, with mixed results among destinations.

Positive prospects for the second half of year

The first half of the year typically accounts for around 46 per cent of the total international arrivals count of the year. For the remainder of 2016, prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season.

The UNWTO Panel of Experts evaluated the period May-August favourably and remains confident about the September-December period, in line with the trend of the first half of the year.

Confidence is highest in Africa, the Americas and Asia and the Pacific, while experts in Europe and the Middle East are somewhat more cautious. — UNWTO/GB