Tourism in the Middle East and Africa, both recorded sound results: UNWTO

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s latest barometer, international tourism has maintained a strong momentum, noting that the international tourist arrivals grew by 6% in the first six months of 2018 after a record year of growth in 2017.

The UNWTO said that the world regions enjoyed robust growth in tourist arrivals in the period from January to June 2018.

“The increase was fuelled by strong demand from major source markets, supported by an upswing in the global economy. It comes after record yearround growth of 7% in 2017,” the UNWTO further explained.

“Today’s release of international tourism data for the first half (H1) of 2018 serves as further proof of the sector’s resilience and relentless growth trajectory.We continue to work with our many partners to translate this growth into better jobs,more benefits to societies,and more opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and destinations,” said the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

The UNWTO added that Europe, Asia, and the Pacific regions led growth with a 7% increase in arrivals each.The Southern Mediterranean, Europe, and South-East Asia had the strongest results in these regions, both welcoming 9% more international tourists.

In regard to the Middle East and Africa,both recorded sound results with arrivals growing at 5% and 4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Americas saw 3% growth in arrivals over the six-month period, driven by South America (+7%) and NorthAmerica (+5%).The US continued to fuel much growth in the region and beyond.

Earlier, during a press conference held on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market event took place in Dubai last month, the Egyptian Minister of Tourism Rania Al-Mashat announced that the number of tourists visiting Egypt has jumped by 30% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to last year. She added that tourism represents 15% of the Egyptian gross national income.