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Tourism becomes the world's third-largest export sector, generating $1.6tn in 2017
5 Sep 2018
The international tourism sector has seen uninterrupted growth in arrivals for eight straight years, with 2017's growth being the highest since 2010; with a record performance of US$ 1.6 trillion. This represents an increase of 7%, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Additionally, tourism generated another US$ 240 billion from international passenger transport taken by non-residents. Europe and Africa led the growth, with increases in arrivals of 8% and 9%, respectively.
©Blazej Lyjak via 123RF
The UN body, in its latest collection of tourism highlights, further notes that the strong results were driven by sustained travel demand for destinations across all world regions, including a firm recovery by those that have suffered from security challenges in recent years.
In 2017, China remained the leader in global outbound travel, with an expenditure of $258bn on international tourism. This translates to approximately one-fifth of the world’s total tourism spending in 2017, which stood at $ 1.3tn, some $94bn more than in 2016. 2018 is seen to continue with the robust growth, with available data showing that international tourism recorded a year-on-year increase of 6% in arrivals between January and April.
About Josephine Wawira
Josephine Wawira is a consultant in communication and public relations with over six years of progressive writing and broadcast experience. She is currently a writer for Africa's online hotel booking portal, Jumia Travel, focusing in the areas of travel, tourism, and hospitality as it relates to Africa.
