According to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Barometer, International tourist arrivals worldwide grew by 5% during the year of 2014 despite the geopolitical challenges and a lingering economic recovery. Tourism demand was strong during the northern hemisphere high season of June to August.

With a 5% increase, international tourism continued to grow well above the long-term trend projected by UNWTO for the period 2010-2020 (+3.8%). International tourists (overnight visitors) traveling the world between January and August 2014 reached 781 million, 36 million more than in the same period of 2013. The peak months of June, July, and August, which account for about one-third of the total of the year, saw an increase of 4% compared to the same months of 2013.

By region, the strongest growth was registered in the Americas (+8%), followed by Asia and the Pacific (+5%) and Europe (+4%). By sub-region, North America (+9%) and South Asia (+8%) were the star performers, as well as Southern and Mediterranean Europe, Northern Europe, North-East Asia, and South America (all +7%).

The Americas (+8%) led growth during the first eight months of 2014, rebounding on last year’s subdued results. All four sub-regions – North America, Caribbean, Central America, and South America – doubled the growth rates registered in 2013.

International arrivals in Asia and the Pacific increased by 5%, consolidating the growth of recent years, with South Asia (+8%) and North-East Asia (+7%) in the lead, followed by Oceania (+6%). On the other hand, growth in arrivals slowed down in South-East Asia (+2%) compared to the strong results registered in 2012 and 2013.

Europe, the most visited region in the world, posted a 4% growth in international tourist arrivals through August, with strong results in Northern Europe and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+7% each). By contrast, international tourism grew at a more modest pace in Western Europe (+3%) and was stagnant in Central and Eastern Europe (-1%).

Africa’s international tourist numbers grew by 3% with North Africa consolidating its recovery (+4%). Sub-Saharan Africa’s arrivals were up by 3%.
International tourist arrivals in the Middle East are estimated to be up by 3%, though this figure should be read with caution as it is based on limited available data for the region.
Data on expenditure on travel abroad for the first six to nine months of 2014 indicate that growth among the world’s top ten source markets was highest in China (+16%), while France (+10%), Italy (+8%), the United States of America (+6%), Brazil (+5%) and the Russian Federation (+4%) also reported robust growth.

For the full year 2014, international tourist arrivals are expected to increase by 4% to 4.5%, slightly above UNWTO’s long-term forecast of 3.8% per year for the period 2010 to 2020.
Although the UNWTO Confidence Index shows some weaker levels due to the current geopolitical and health risks, results remain positive as 51% of respondents see prospects for the period September-December 2014 as “much better or better” as against 35% who rate it as “equal” and 14% as “much worse or worse”.

International tourism in countries where there is widespread transmission (Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone) represents less than 1% of all international arrivals to African destinations. Yet we have to be aware that misperception about the outbreak is affecting the whole of Africa. On the upside, and according to information gathered from our African Member States and key tour operators and associations in major source markets, there are no significant cancellations to report, despite a certain slowdown in bookings. (Cited from United Nations World Tourism Organization)