MANILA, Philippines – International tourist arrivals in Asia-Pacific exhibited growth in the first half of 2016 due to an increase in demand for travel within the region, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported.
According to the latest data from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international arrivals in Asia-Pacific counties rose nine percent, the highest growth among all regions.
The increase was led by Oceania, with a reported growth of 10 percent, followed by Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, which both recorded a nine percent growth. Arrivals to South Asia increased seven percent.
UNWTO data also showed that international tourist arrivals worldwide went up four percent in the first semester.
About 561 million visitors were received worldwide during the period, 21 million higher than the recorded arrivals in 2015.
“Tourism has proven to be one of the most resilient economic sectors worldwide. It is creating jobs for millions, at a time when providing perspectives for a better future to people of all regions is one of our biggest challenges. But tourism is also creating bonds among people of all nations and backgrounds, bringing down stereotypes and fighting fear and distrust,” UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a statement.
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“Safety and security are key pillars of tourism development and we need to strengthen our common action to build a safe, secure and seamless travel framework. This is no time to build walls or point fingers; it is time to build an alliance based on a shared vision and a joint responsibility,” he added.
All regions, except the Middle East, exhibited growth in international arrivals during the first half.
Foreign visitors in the Americas rose four percent as strong US outbound flows benefited many destinations within the region.
International tourist arrivals to Europe increased by three percent, while comparatively limited data available for Africa showed a five percent growth in arrivals.
Tourists in the Middle East, on the other hand, decreased by nine percent with mixed results among the destinations.
According to the UNWTO, the first half figures typically account for 46 percent of the total arrivals for a year.
“For the remainder of 2016, prospects are positive overall. Countries that have already reported results till July or August show continued growth in the current Northern Hemisphere summer peak season,” the UNWTO said.
