International Tourism On the Rise, UNWTO World Tourism Barometer Shows

While the rate of growth is slower if compared to the results of the two previous years, it is still a very positive sign. During the first four months of 2019 international tourism increased by 4%. The highest rise of international arrivals was recorder in the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific – +8% and +6% respectively. Both Europe and Africa grew about 4%, with the Americas up by 3%.

Some of the factors that fuelled the continuous growth of international tourism are a positive economy, increased air capacity and visa facilitation between many countries. While this year's results are moderate compared to the exceptional results of the previous two years, the tourism sector still outpaces the global rate of economic growth.

UNWTO Confidence Index Panel is optimistic over future growth. It is expected that international arrivals in 2019 will grow between 3% and 4% globally. The prognoses for the May-August 2019 period, the peak season for many destinations in the Northern hemisphere, remains highly optimistic with a better performance expected in the coming four months.

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