COMCEC Tourism Outlook 2017
11
Figure 3.3 Change in International Tourist Arrivals (%)
Source: World Tourism Organization, Tourism Barometer 2017 July &Tourism Highlights 2017
In terms of regions, the UNWTO reports that Asia and the Pacific region (+9%) was the best
performer in 2016 and the number of international tourists grew by 24 million to reach 308
million in this region. Growing purchasing power, increased air connectivity, more affordable
travel and visa relaxation arrangements were major reasons of the growth.
Table 3.2 International Tourism Arrivals by Region (Millions)
Tourist
Arrivals
2000 2010 2014 2015 2016 Share
(%)
World 674 949 1.134 1.186 1.235 100
Europe 386.4 488.7 580.2 607.6 616 50
Asia&Pacific 110.3 205.4 264.3 279.2 308 25
Americas 128.2 150.1 181.9 192.6 200 16
Africa 26.2 49.7 55.3 53.5 58 5
Middle East 22.4 54.8 52.4 53.3 54 4
Source: World Tourism Organization, Tourism Highlights 2017
According to the Table 3.2, Europe (+2%), Asia and the Pacific (+9%), the Americas (+3%),
Africa (+8) showed continued growth in 2016 except Africa (-4%).
In 2016, Europe (+2%) hosted half of the international tourists (616 million). This is an increase
of 13 million from 2016. Asia and the Pacific recorded 24 million more international tourist
arrivals compared to 2015 to reach 308 million. International tourist arrivals in the Americas
grew 7 million to reach 200 million. Limited data available for Africa points to an estimated 8%
increase corresponding to 4 million more arrivals which points a strong recovery. North Africa
(3%), South Africa (13%) and Subsaharan Africa (10%), all recorded significant increases partly
due to simpler visa procedures, air and sea connectivity and strengthening security. Contrary to
previous other regions Middle East recorded a 4% decease despite strong growth in Lebanon
(+11%), Oman (+11%), Dubai (5%) and Jordan (3%). On the other hand, following the security
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