Global tourism hits one billion milestone
The global travel industry reached an historic milestone today, recording one billion tourists since 1 January, hitting nine digits for the first time in a single year.
The figure cements tourism’s position as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 9% of global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), one in every 12 jobs, and up to 8% of the total exports of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It also highlights the resilience of the sector which has continued to grow through 2012 despite global economic uncertainty.
As it is impossible to know exactly where the one-billionth tourist arrived, many countries are celebrating the occasion by welcoming tourists arriving on 13 December. UNWTO is celebrating in Madrid, Spain, home to its headquarters, by welcoming the symbolic one-billionth tourist in the Museo del Prado, Madrid’s most-visited tourism attraction, together with the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain.
The UNWTO is also taking the opportunity to launch the ‘One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities’ campaign which highlights the positive impact even the smallest action can have if multiplied by one billion. Designed to promote responsible tourism, the core message of the campaign is “Buy local”, encouraging tourists to buy food and souvenirs locally, or hire local guides, to ensure their spending translates into jobs and income for host communities. Respecting culture, heritage, and environment are also key messages, suggested and voted for by the global public.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, said; “Your actions count. That is our message to the one billion tourists. Through the right actions and choices, each tourist represents an opportunity for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable future.”