Statistics and Market Data on Leisure Travel
In this section statistics, facts and other information about the leisure travel / tourism industry are presented.
The tourism & travel sector includes everything related to leisure travel and vacations. Today, the tourism industry is one of the largest in the world with estimated annual contributions of almost seven trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. Vast improvements in technology and living conditions over the past century have led to the development and strong growth of tourism including phenomenons such as mass tourism.
According to figures published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the total number of international tourist arrivals worldwide has more than doubled over the past twenty years. In 1995, the UNWTO counted around 530 million arrivals. In 2012, the number or arrivals exceeded one billion for the first time. Tourism is a big part of the economy and an important driver of growth. At the same time, topics like the inclusive development and environmental sustainability are becoming more important in the industry.
Many, mostly service-oriented industries benefit from tourism either directly or indirectly. Amongst those industries are airlines and other transportation services, the cruise ship industry, hospitality services, such as the accommodation industry, restaurants, resorts, and the wellness & spa industry. Entertainment venues, such as casinos, shopping malls, music venues, theatres, and amusement & theme parks are also, often at the same time, beneficiaries and drivers of tourism. Institutions, establishments and facilities like National Parks, monuments, historic sites and other recreational areas are also often amongst the things that make certain places attractive for touristic activities.