Tourist numbers to increase 91% by 2030 – UNWTO
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International tourist numbers are forecast to increase 91%over the next two decades to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, according to the newlyreleased UNWTO long-term forecast.
The ‘Tourism Towards 2030’ report, presented at the UNWTOGeneral Assembly in Korea,predicts that international tourism will grow at an average annual growth rateof 3.3% over the next two decades. As a result, an average 43 millionadditional international tourists will join the tourism marketplace every year.
At the projected pace of growth, arrivals will pass the onebillion mark by 2012, up from 940 million in 2010. By 2030, arrivals areexpected to reach 1.8 billion, meaning that in two decades time, five millionpeople will be crossing international borders every day.
Europe will continue to dominate arrivals, although itsmarket share is expected to decrease from 51% to 41% by 2030.
“The next 20 years will be of continued growth for thesector – a more moderate, responsible and inclusive growth,” said Taleb Rifai ,secretary-general at UNWTO. “This growth offers immense possibilities as thesecan also be years of leadership, with tourism leading economic growth, socialprogress and environmental sustainability”.