
According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, we count 369 million international tourists in the first four months of the year, it is 21 million more than the same period in 2016.
International arrivals reported by destinations around the world were positive overall, with very few exceptions for January-April 2017 period.
This period usually represents some 28% of the yearly total and covers the winter season of the Northern Hemisphere and the summer season of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the Chinese New Year and Easter holidays, among others.
Asia and the Pacific (6%) and the Americas (+4%) still continued to enjoy robust growth, while Middle East (+10%), Africa (+8%) and Europe (+6%) have better results in 2017.
Europe thus recovers confidence after mixed results last year and security incidents in some destinations.
Results improved particularly in Southern Mediterranean Europe (+9% as compared to +1% in 2016) and Western Europe (+4% as opposed to +0% in 2016). Northern Europe (+9%) continued to record strong growth, while Central and Eastern Europe recorded 4% more international arrivals, in line with results of last year.
The peak tourism season in most of the world’s major tourism destinations and source markets gives positive prospects for May-August period.
Also read: