International tourist arrivals grew by 4% last year to reach a record 1.035 billion and are forecast to rise by a similar level in 2013, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
With an additional 39 million international tourists, up from 996 million in 2011, international tourist arrivals surpassed 1 billion for the first time in 2012. Demand held well throughout the year, with a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter.
Asia and the Pacific was the best performing region with numbers up by 7%, while by sub-region South-East Asia, North Africa (both at +9%) and Central and Eastern Europe (+8%) topped the ranking.
UNWTO secrertary general Teleb Rifai said: “2012 saw continued economic volatility around the globe, particularly in the eurozone. Yet international tourism managed to stay on course.
“The sector has shown its capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions and, although at a slightly more modest rate, is expected to continue expanding in 2013. Tourism is thus one of the pillars that should be supported by governments around the world as part of the solution to stimulating economic growth,” he added.
UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to increase by 3% to 4% in 2013, much in line with its long-term forecast of a 3.8% average annual rise a year on average between 2010 and 2020.
International tourist arrivals to Europe, the most visited region in the world, were up by 3% – described as a “a very positive result” in view of the economic situation – but down on the 6% rise in 2011.
Total arrivals hit 535 million, up by 17 million on 2011. Central and eastern Europe destinations (+8%) had the best results, followed by western Europe (+3%). Destinations in southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) consolidated their performance of 2011 and returned to their normal growth last year, the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer said.