The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) announced that strong growth in outbound travel from many source markets around the world fuelled revenues from international tourism to reach US$1.7 trillion in 2018.
The World Tourism Barometer highlights short-term travel trends, including how much money the residents of various countries are spending on travel.
HowMuch.net, a financial literacy website, highlights the countries where tourists spend most money. Locations have been resized based on spending amounts, which come from the latest data from UNWTO.
Leisure travel is the main purpose of visits in all world regions. The share of leisure travel has grown from 50% in 2000 to 56% in 2018. Visiting friends and relatives makes up 27% while business travel is 13%.
In sub-Saharan Africa, island destinations Réunion, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles posted robust growth. Kenya recorded positive results, thanks to improved security and more air connectivity, as well as Togo, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe. The subregion’s most-visited destination, South Africa, reported moderate growth, partly due to a strong currency and a drought crisis in Cape Town in 2018.
