The number of international tourists rose four per cent to 956 million in the first three quarters of this year compared to the same period in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.
The growth rate has moderated compared to previous years due to setback caused by major negative events, noted the study.
“Tourism is one of the most resilient and fastest-growing economic sectors but it is also very sensitive to risks, both actual and perceived,” said UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai, attributing the slower growth to the events.
“No destination is immune to risks. We need to increase cooperation in addressing these global threats, namely those related to safety and security. And we need to make tourism an integral part of emergency planning and response,” he added.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific led growth across the world, with international arrivals up nine per cent through September. Europe saw the slowest growth at twp per cent, with solid double-digit growths in destinations such as Spain, Hungary and Portugal offset by declines in France, Belgium and Turkey.
The UNWTO Confidence Index indicates that tourism prospects remain positive for the remaining quarter of 2016.
