Continued healthy growth in international tourism in the first nine months of 2018

International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew 5% in the first nine months of 2018 over the same period last year, reflecting a continued strong economic situation globally.

The 5% growth consolidated the results of 2017 (+7%), yet growth somewhat slowed down through the third quarter compared to the strong first months of 2018. The same trend is seen in terms of global economic growth softening.

All world regions enjoyed robust growth in the first nine months of this year, fuelled by strong demand from major source markets.

Asia and the Pacific led growth in January-September 2018, with arrivals increasing 7%. Europe and the Middle East also recorded sound results with 6% growth, while Africa saw a 5% increase. The Americas grew more modestly at 3% this nine-month period.

Preliminary data on international tourism receipts confirm the positive trend seen in international tourist arrivals, with particularly strong results in Asian and European destinations.

Among the top 20 world spenders on outbound tourism, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Russian Federation, Spain, and India all posted double-digit growth in expenditure.