Global tourism hits record highs | global tourism statistics
Howmanypeopletravelabroadonholiday?Tourismisontherise.In2018therewerearecord1.4bninternationaltouristarrivals,accordingtotheWorldTourismOrganization(UNTWO),ariseof6%over2017.Thatdoesn’tmean1.4billionpeopletravelabroadfortheirholidays,asmanypeoplewillclockupmorethanonetrip.Butitdoesmeantourismisplayinganincreasinglyimportantroleintheglobaleconomy.In2018,itwasworthabout$1.7tn(£1.3tn),orabout2%oftotalglobalGDP.EventheUNWTOisstrugglingtokeepup,withcurrentfiguresvastlyexceedingexpectations.touris...
How many people travel abroad on holiday?Tourism is on the rise. In 2018 there were a record 1.4bn international tourist arrivals, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), a rise of 6% over 2017. That doesn’t mean 1.4 billion people travel abroad for their holidays, as many people will clock up more than one trip.
But it does mean tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the global economy. In 2018, it was worth about $1.7tn (£1.3tn), or about 2% of total global GDP. Even the UNWTO is struggling to keep up, with current figures vastly exceeding expectations.
tourist numbers[1]In 1950 there were 25m international tourist visits, rising to 166m in 1970, and 435m in 1990.
The growth of budget airlines has made travelling more accessible, with passengers able to fly from London Stansted to Düsseldorf for just £7.99. For many Londoners, this costs less than a day’s commut...