The UNWTO has announced a 2013 year surpassed all expectations in terms of international tourism. The organization reports that there were over 1 billion international tourist arrivals throughout the year, 5% growth over arrivals in 2012. The number of arrivals was buoyed by 52 million additional tourists. "2013 was an excellent year for international tourism", affirmed UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. "The tourism sector has shown that it was able to adapt to market developments, boost growth and create jobs in the world, despite persistent economic and geopolitical challenges. Moreover, for many economies, tourism has been one of the few industries to bring positive news".Asia and Africa led the world in international arrival growth, having both received 6% more tourists than they had the previous year. Europe followed closely with 5% growth in tourist arrivals. The leading sub-regions were South East Asia (+10%), North Africa (+6%), and Central and Eastern Europe (+7%).This growth pattern is expected to continue in 2014, with 4-4.5% growth in international arrivals. Asia-Pacific and Africa are expected to remain in the lead, with 5-6% growth and 4-6% growth respectively. Europe and America are forecasted to follow, both with 3-4% growth.
