UNWTO: International tourists up 5% in 1H2012, on track to reach one billion in full year 2012

UNWTO forecasts (12-Sep-2012) international tourism remains on track to reach one billion tourists by the end of this year with the latest figures showing international tourists worldwide increased by 5% year-on-year in the first six months of 2012. The industry association stated, "although a slight slowdown in growth can be expected for the rest of the year, international arrivals are forecast to exceed one billion by the end of 2012." International tourist arrivals were up in all regions in 1H2012 with Asia Pacific leading the growth at 8%, boosted by the recovery of Japanese inbound and outbound tourism as well as by the continued strong performance of other major source markets throughout the region. Europe remained the most visited destination in the world with a 4% increase in international tourists while the Americas grew in line with the world average at 5%. In terms of outbound markets, and among the top 10 countries by expenditure on travel abroad, growth was significant in China (+30%), Russia (+15%), the US (+9%), Germany (+6%) and Canada (+6%). [more - original PR]