UNWTO stated (06-Nov-2017) demand for international tourism "remained strong" in the Northern Hemisphere summer peak season, with tourist arrivals in Jul/Aug-2017 totalling over 300 million for the first time. Many destinations reported double digit growth from Jan-2017 to Aug-2017, in particular in the Mediterranean. By UNWTO regions, growth was strongest in:
- Africa: +9%;
- Europe: +8%;
- Asia and the Pacific: +6%;
- Middle East: +5%;
- Americas: +3%.
UNWTO SG Taleb Rifai concluded: "Tourism is a major economic engine and employment generator... we must reflect on how to manage tourism in a responsible and sustainable way beyond 2017'. He added: "Maximising the social and economic benefits of tourism while minimising any negative impacts on host communities and the environment should remain at the forefront of our efforts". [more - original PR]