What Is the Publication Unwto International Tourism Highlights About?

By Anna Duncan

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that has a mandate to promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. The organization releases an annual publication called UNWTO International Tourism Highlights, which provides a comprehensive overview of international tourism trends and statistics.

What is UNWTO International Tourism Highlights?

UNWTO International Tourism Highlights is a report that provides an overview of the latest trends in international tourism. The report is released annually and covers key indicators such as international tourist arrivals, tourism receipts, and exports. The report also includes information about the top tourist destinations in the world, as well as emerging destinations.

Who is the report for?

The report is aimed at anyone with an interest in international tourism, including policymakers, researchers, academics, industry professionals, and travelers. The information contained in the report can be used to inform policy decisions and business strategies related to tourism.

Key findings from the 2020 edition

The 2020 edition of UNWTO International Tourism Highlights was released in January 2021. Some of the key findings from this edition include:

  • Total international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion in 2019
  • Tourism exports (spending by international tourists) reached USD 1.7 trillion in 2019
  • The top five most visited countries were France, Spain, the United States, China and Italy
  • The fastest growing regions for tourism were Asia-Pacific and Africa

Impact of COVID-19 on international tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international tourism. In response to the pandemic, many countries have closed their borders or implemented travel restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals declined by 72% in the first ten months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This represents a loss of 900 million international tourists and USD 935 billion in export revenues from tourism.

The future of international tourism

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of international tourism. As vaccines are rolled out across the world, it is likely that travel restrictions will be lifted and people will once again be able to explore new destinations.

However, it is also clear that the pandemic has highlighted the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to tourism. The UNWTO has called for a “new vision” for tourism that prioritizes environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and economic resilience.

Conclusion

UNWTO International Tourism Highlights provides a valuable overview of international tourism trends and statistics. The report is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in tourism, and can be used to inform policy decisions and business strategies. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on international tourism, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of this important industry.