UNWTO reports 4.4% rise in worldwide int'l tourist arrivals in 2011

UNWTO reports (16-Jan-2012) worldwide international tourist arrivals rose 4.4% year-on-year to 980 million in 2011. Details include:

• 2011:
  • World: +4.4% year-on-year;
    • Europe: +6.0%;
    • Asia and the Pacific: +5.6%;
    • Americas: +4.2%;
    • Africa: stable;
    • Middle East: -8.0%;
• 2012 forecast:
  • World: +3% to +4%;
    • Europe: +2% to +4%;
    • Asia and the Pacific: +4% to +6%;
    • Americas: +2% to +4%;
    • Africa: +4% to +6%;
    • Middle East: +0% to +5%. [more - original PR]

UNWTO: "UNWTO forecasts international tourism to continue growing in 2012 although at a slower rate. Arrivals are expected to increase by 3% to 4%, reaching the historic one billion mark by the end of the year." Source: Company statement, 16-Jan-2012.