International tourism travel is growing a lot, and could be reach the highest year on record this year. In the first half of 2016, international tourism increased by four percent and it is expected to go up in the second half as well. Four percent might not sound like much but it equals out to 21 million more people than last year.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the group responsible for gathering this information, and they are also responsible for a lot of the promotion that goes into tourism.
UNWTO releases a press release where their Secretary-General Taleb Rifai spoke about the changes.
“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.”
He also mentioned that safety is a top priority.
“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.”
