UNWTO forecasts 4.1% annual tourism growth
The UN’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reports tourism growth in developing countries is outpacing the global average. Worldwide international tourist arrivals rose by 6% year-on-year in 2007 on the back of strong global economic growth. However, arrivals to developing countries were 8% ahead. UNWTO said the figures underscored its long-held view that ‘sustainable tourism can play a major role in helping to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals’ of developing two-way trade and responding to climate change imperatives. Between 2000 and 2007, worldwide international tourist arrivals increased by 32% to 898m, representing an average annual growth rate of 4%. Developing countries’ international tourist arrivals, however, increased by 54% to 360m, for average annual growth of 6%. And, in the 50 least developed countries, international tourist arrivals increased by 110% to 13m, for annual growth of 11%. This means that between 2000 and 2007, the market share of all developing countries rose from 34% to 40% of worldwide international arrivals. Most regions are expected to sustain their current growth trend in too8 – led by developing nations – but at a somewhat slower rate. UNWTO predicts long-term annual growth of 4.1% through to 2020, attributing the lower rate to ‘less favourable global economic prospects, continuing high oil prices and greater uncertainty’.