How Big Is the Tourism Industry in the World?

By Alice Nichols

The tourism industry is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries. It encompasses a broad range of activities, including transportation, accommodation, food and beverage services, travel agencies, tour operators, and various other services related to travel and tourism. In this article, we will explore how big the tourism industry is in the world.

Global Tourism Industry Overview

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. The same report also revealed that international tourism receipts amounted to $1.7 trillion in 2018.

Top Tourist Destinations

Europe remains the most popular continent for international tourists with France leading as the world’s most visited country, followed by Spain, Italy, Turkey & Germany.

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region for international tourist arrivals with China being a major contributor followed by Thailand and Malaysia.

The Impact of Tourism on Employment

The tourism industry provides employment opportunities for millions of people around the world. In fact, according to UNWTO reports in 2019 about 330 million jobs were created globally through tourism which represents roughly one in ten jobs worldwide.

Future Growth Prospects

The UNWTO projects that international tourist arrivals will reach 1.8 billion by 2030. This growth will be driven by emerging markets such as India and China as well as destinations in Africa and Latin America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s evident that the tourism industry plays an essential role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities worldwide. With continued growth projected over the coming years, it’s clear that this dynamic sector will remain a vital contributor to global development.

  • The Key Takeaways:
  • The tourism industry is a vast and dynamic industry that encompasses various activities related to travel and tourism.
  • International tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, generating $1.7 trillion in international tourism receipts.
  • Europe is the most popular continent for international tourists, followed by the Asia Pacific region.
  • The tourism industry provides employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide and is projected to grow further in the future.