Travel number set to hit 1 billion this year

After a four per cent increase in the number of international travellers in 2011, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is estimating that tourist arrivals will past the one billion mark this year.

Some 980 million people passed through airport customs as holidaymakers last year and, despite the world’s economic climate remaining gloomy, UNWTO sees no reason why another 20 million won’t head off on a jolly over the next 12 months.

In 2011, Europe performed best as new attractions in Spain, Portugal and Greece saw tourist numbers surge by eight per cent.

Asia and the Pacific was second best as its numbers rose by six per cent to a total of 216 million international tourists.
“International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“For a sector directly responsible for five per cent of the world’s GDP, six per cent of total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies alike these results are encouraging.”

European resorts are set to perform well again this year according to the Post Office. More and more Brits are electing to visit Spain or the Greek island due to budget restriction than they have in recent years.

Posted by Jamie Manterfield