The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.  In a very recent meeting at the Spain Global Tourism Forum in Madrid, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, made some very encouraging comments about the state of international travel.

“We expect demand to continue growing in 2015” ~ UNWTO Secretary-General

Here’s a few of the exciting highlights for tourism:

• International tourist arrivals reached 1.1 billion in 2014, a 4.7% increase over the previous year
• For 2015, UNWTO forecasts international tourism to grow by 3% to 4%
• By region, the Americas (+7%) and Asia and the Pacific (+5%) registered the strongest growth, while Europe (+4%), the Middle East (+4%) and Africa (+2%) grew at a slightly more modest pace. By subregion, North America (+8%) saw the best results, followed by North-East Asia, South Asia, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, Northern Europe and the Caribbean, all increasing by 7%
• For 2015, UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow between 3% and 4%. By region, growth is expected to be stronger in Asia and the Pacific (+4% to +5%) and the Americas (+4% to +5%), followed by  Europe (+3% to +4%). Arrivals are expected to increase by +3% to +5% in Africa and by +2% to +5% in the Middle East.

If you would like to read the entire UNWTO press release, click here.

What does this mean to you?

1. Travel brands are making significant investments all around the world in order to offer you an even greater variety of exciting options.  One example of this is Viking River Cruises breaking world records in the number of ships they have been launching each year.  New hotel/resort openings around the world is another example.
2. With oil prices reaching near historic lows, transportation costs should benefit the international traveler in 2015.
3. In 2015, the strong dollar is making international travel more affordable by nearly 20% in some regions, including Europe.

2015 is shaping up to be a fabulous year for international travel, and we strongly encourage you to get out there and see the world this year.

For help planning a river cruise, ocean cruise, or an exciting land journey, give us a call at (480) 550-1235.  Or, use our convenient online information request by clicking here.
 
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