International tourism is tourism that crosses national borders. Globalization has made tourism a popular global leisure activity. The World Tourism Organization (WHO) defines tourists as people “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes”. The WHO estimates that up to 500,000 people are in flight at any one time.
The following link provide a link for must-see travel destinations:
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/must-see-sights-on-earth/index.htm
International tourism brings with it huge economic potential for a destination that wishes to develop their tourism industry. Employment, currency exchange, imports and taxes are just a few of the ways that tourism can bring money into a destination.
In recent years, tourism numbers have increased globally at exponential rates, as shown in the World Tourism Organisation data below. There are several reasons for this growth including improvements in technology, increases in disposable income, the growth of budget airlines and consumer desires to travel further, to new destinations and more often.
Here are a few facts about the economic importance of the tourism industry globally:
Be part of responsible tourism and its benefits to local communities:
A better community for residents.
The money that tourists spend can be reinvested in local economies, from public services to education.
Did you know that for every $1 generated in direct Travel & Tourism GDP, more than $2 are generated on an indirect and/or induced basis
Lots of jobs.
Did you know that in 2019 the sector employed 1 in 10 people on the planet and it created 1 in 4 of all new jobs globally in the last 5 years
More creative and entrepreneurial.
Tourism’s positive ripple effect not only helps support local businesses but fosters entrepreneurship and new business ventures.
Did you know that 80% of the sector is composed of SMEs
Opportunities for all.
Tourism offers opportunities to people from all walks of life, supporting vulnerable groups, including minorities, youth, and women among others.
Did you know that the tourism sector has almost twice as many women employers as other sectors and employs a higher share of youth than the overall economy.
More peaceful and more tolerant.
Tourism is a driver for peace. It helps promote tolerance between people as they learn and better understand each other’s cultures.
Did you know that countries that have more open and sustainable tourism sectors will likely enjoy higher levels of positive peace in the future.
Preserving heritage
Tourism can help protect and finance the preservation of historic and cultural sites, and even prompt the creation of new community initiatives.
Did you know that 40% of travellers identify as cultural tourists?
Preserving the wildlife, we love.
Tourism can help protect and revitalise wildlife through preservation programmes against illegal poaching and creates conservation jobs.
Did you know that the total economic contribution of wildlife tourism amounted to $344 billion in 2018, equivalent to the entire GDP of South Africa or Hong Kong
Fuelling the adoption of sustainable tech.
Tourism helps accelerate the integration of innovative technologies, which can facilitate your everyday activities while enhancing sustainability and creating more touchless experiences.
Written by Tiffany Misrahi, VP Policy and Ioanna Pampoulova, Membership & Commercial Assistant, World Travel & Tourism Council
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