Travelsmart
Virtually all source markets reported higher tourism spending in 2017, reflecting continued strong demand for international tourism across all world regions.
Both emerging and advanced economies fuelled growth, led by the United States which spent US$ 12 billion more on travel abroad, according to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
China spent US$8 billion more, consolidating its leadership as the biggest spender in the world.
The Russian Federation spent US$7 billion more and Brazil US$5 billion more, both rebounding from weaker spending in previous years.
Strong tourism expenditure reflects enhanced connectivity, increased visa facilitation and a global economic upswing.
All top 25 source markets reported higher spending on international tourism in 2017, as highlighted in the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
China consolidated its leadership as the biggest spender in travel abroad in 2017 with US$ 258 billion in expenditure (up five per cent in local currency).
The other three BRIC economies all substantially increased expenditure in 2017.
The Russian Federation (up 13 per cent) rebounded after a few years of declines, to reach US$31 billion, climbing three places to re-enter the top ten at number eight.
Brazil (up by a fifth) also recovered strongly and moved up eight places to number 16 with US$19 billion in expenditure.
India continued its rise, with nine per cent growth in spending, to US$18 billion and moved up four places in the ranking to 17th.
“Emerging economies play a key role in tourism development and we are very pleased to see the rebound of the Russian Federation and Brazil, and the ongoing rise of India, as these key emerging outbound markets contribute to growth and market diversification in many destinations,” said UNWTO secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
Advanced economies also performed robustly in 2017, led by the United States (up nine per cent), the world’s second largest outbound market.
US travellers spent US$12 billion more on international tourism to US$ 135 billion.
Expenditure from Germany (third largest market) and the United Kingdom (fourth largest) both increased three per cent, and from France (fifth) by one per cent.
These strong results in outbound tourism are consistent with the seven per cent increase in international tourist arrivals in 2017.
Find the full report here.
You can read more of the news on source
