Almost all travel source markets saw increased spending on tourism in 2017, according to latest UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) figures.
The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer shows the top-25 outbound markets all recorded higher spending on international trips last year, with China retaining its position as greatest global spender with a 5% increase to $258 billion.
Spending by US travellers, who comprise the second-biggest source market, rose 9% to $135 billion.
Germany, the world number-three for outbound travel, saw a 3% rise in spending to $84 billion, as did the UK – the fourth-biggest market – to $63 billion.
France, the world number five, saw just a 1% increase to $41 billion.
Other source markets in the global top-ten also recorded growth – Australia by 7%, Canada 9%, South Korea 9% and Italy 6%.
Europe outpaced the 7% growth in global arrivals with an 8% rise in international visitors, as arrivals to the EU hit 538 million or 40% of the world total.
However, emerging economies, including the former BRIC countries, also saw growth in spending on international tourism – Russia by 13%, Brazil by 20% and India by 9%.
UNWTO secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Emerging economies can play a key role in tourism development. We are very pleased to see the rebound of the Russian Federation and Brazil and the ongoing rise of India.”
Pololikashvili added: “Sustained growth in tourism has been instrumental in the economic recovery of many countries in Europe and around the world.”