A record one billion tourists have travelled the world in 2012, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
Marking the “symbolic” date yesterday (Thursday) the UNWTO revealed actions tourists can take to ensure their trips benefit the people and places they visit, as voted by the public.
The organisation launched the One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities campaign to celebrate this milestone, showing tourists that respecting local culture, preserving heritage or buying local goods when travelling can make a big difference.
Consumers were asked to vote for the travel tip that would have the greatest benefit for the people and places they visit and to pledge to follow that tip when travelling.
The winning tip, revealed on the arrival date of the one-billionth tourist, was ‘buy local’, encouraging tourists to buy food and souvenirs locally, or hire local guides, to ensure their spending translates into jobs and income for host communities.
‘Respect local culture’ came a close second, calling on tourists to learn more about their destination’s traditions, or some words in the local language, before leaving home.
UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said: “We welcome the symbolic arrival of the one-billionth tourist.
“’Your actions count’. That is our message to the one billion tourists.
“Through the right actions and choices, each tourist represents an opportunity for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable future.”
The figure cements tourism’s position as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 9% of global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), one in every 12 jobs and up to 8% of the total exports of the world’s least developed countries.