What Percentage of Air Travel Is Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Air travel has become a crucial mode of transportation for people around the world. Whether it’s for business or leisure, air travel has made it possible to travel long distances in a short period of time.

But have you ever wondered how much of air travel is actually tourism? Let’s take a closer look.

Defining Air Travel and Tourism

Before we dive into the percentage of air travel that is tourism, let’s first define what air travel and tourism mean. Air travel refers to the use of airplanes or helicopters to transport people or goods from one location to another. On the other hand, tourism refers to the act of traveling for pleasure or leisure.

The Percentage of Air Travel that is Tourism

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2018, representing an increase of 6% from the previous year. Out of this number, approximately 20% arrived at their destination by air. This means that about one-fifth of all international tourists traveled by plane.

However, it’s worth noting that this percentage only accounts for international tourism and not domestic tourism. Domestic tourism includes people who travel within their own country for leisure purposes. It’s safe to assume that domestic air travel also plays a significant role in overall tourism numbers.

The Impact of Tourism on Air Travel

Tourism has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the growth and development of air travel industry over the years. As more people are traveling for leisure purposes, airlines have been forced to increase capacity and improve their services to meet demand.

Moreover, governments have recognized the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth and have invested heavily in infrastructure such as airports and other facilities related to air travel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, about 20% of all international tourists arrive at their destination by air travel. While this percentage may seem small, it’s important to remember that it only accounts for international tourism and not domestic tourism. As tourism continues to grow, we can expect the air travel industry to continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of travelers.