One Billion Tourists

In just one year over one billion tourists will have traveled the world. During the year 2012 (OMG it's almost over!) international tourism has set a new record, one which was celebrated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with a symbolic one billionth tourist chosen on December 13, 2012 in Madrid Spain. The lucky tourist was Mrs Dale Sheppard-Floyd from the United Kingdom as she arrived in Spain, pictured above in a photo from UNWTO.

“Today, we welcome the symbolic arrival of the one-billionth tourist” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Your actions count. That is our message to the one billion tourists. Through the right actions and choices, each tourist represents an opportunity for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable future.”

One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities, UNWTO

The majority of world tourists are from Europe (53%) vacationing in Europe (51%) - traveling mostly for leisure  recreation and holidays (51%). Tourism provides one in every twelve jobs and is one of the largest economic sectors in the world with over 9% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The massive financial impact can drive growth and development which can provide many opportunities for both advanced and developing countries.

Jose Manuel Soria, Spain's Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, welcomed Mrs Dale Sheppard-Floyd - one of 58 million international visitors to Spain in 2012, and noted that “Spain is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, where the sector represents 11% of the country’s economy.”

Travelers are encouraged to respect local culture, heritage and to buy local goods to help support the countries they visit and to make a positive difference in the world. Public participation in determining the best travel trip was revealed during the one billion tourist celebration: "Buy local", in second place was "Respect local Culture".

It would be almost impossible to actually determine who was in fact the lucky one billionth tourist so the symbolic determination was also repeated by several nations on December 13.

Tourism benefits not only the countries that see tourist dollars but also the tourists who learn a little of the life of those they interact with. And once you get the travel bug it is easier to head out on the road for another adventure.

You have read this article Travel with the title One Billion Tourists. You can bookmark this page URL https://chriswiggin.blogspot.com/2012/12/one-billion-tourists.html. Thanks!