INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by six percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first part of 2017 to reach 369 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, with the Middle East leading the way. Prospects for the second half of the year also remain bright. International arrivals reported by destinations around the world were positive overall, with only a few exceptions. Most of 2016’s strong performers maintained momentum, while destinations that struggled in previous years continued to rebound in the first part of 2017. “Destinations that were affected by negative events during 2016 are showing clear signs of recovery in a very short period of time, and this is very welcoming news for all, but particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on tourism in these destinations,” said UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai. This is reflected particularly in the better results of the Middle East (up 10 percent), Africa (up eight percent) and Europe (up six percent). Asia and the Pacific (up six percent) and the Americas (up four percent) continued to enjoy robust growth.