Lesson 14: Growth and Pattern of Tourism in the World
This lesson examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of global tourism. It covers the core concepts of growth and pattern, key driving factors, classification of tourist attractions, top global destinations, regional market shares, international receipts, and UNWTO long-term projections up to 2020.
Concept & Determinants of Global Tourism Growth
Definitions of Growth vs. Pattern, Spatio-Temporal Context, and 8 Key Driving Factors
Core Terminology
• Growth: Refers to the numerical or percentage increase or decrease in tourist arrivals compared to a previous base period. Growth can be positive or negative.
• Pattern: Refers to the sequential and spatial distribution of tourist activities across different geographical regions of the earth.
• Spatio-Temporal Context: Assessing how tourism activities evolve across both physical space (spatial) and time periods (temporal).
8 Key Factors Affecting Global Tourism
1. High Income / Per Capita Wealth: Sound financial status enables travel expenditure.
2. Paid Holidays: Employee holiday entitlements provide necessary leisure time.
3. Travel Cost: Affordable fares boost traffic; high costs act as a deterrent.
4. Technology & Internet: Instant information and online bookings streamline travel.
5. Tour Operators & Packages: Facilitate hassle-free itineraries for tourists.
6. Media & Information: Audio-visual and print media create global destination awareness.
7. Growing Middle Class: Rising economic power in developing nations fuels tourist outflow.
8. Tourism Investments: New destination infrastructure attracts international capital.
Taxonomy of Global Tourist Attractions
Cultural, Natural, Event-Based, Recreational, and Entertainment Dimensions
| Cultural | Natural | Events | Recreational | Entertainment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Sites & Archaeology | Landscapes & Seascapes | Mega-events & Fairs | Sightseeing & Golf | Theme & Amusement Parks |
| Monuments & Architecture | Mountains & Caves | Religious Events (Haj, Kumbh) | Swimming, Tennis, Cricket | Casinos & Cinemas |
| Museums & Cuisine | Islands & Beaches | Sports (Olympics, World Cup) | Hiking & Snow Sports | Shopping & Water Parks |
| Ethnic Sites & Theaters | Flora, Fauna & Coasts | Conferences & Meetings | Mountaineering & Rafting | Performing Art Centers |
World's Top Tourist Destinations & Growth Trajectory
UNWTO Global Ranking Benchmarks and 2011–2015 Arrival Progression
UNWTO Top 10 Global Tourist Destinations (2015)
| Rank | Country | Arrivals (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 67.31 M |
| 2 | United States | 47.75 M |
| 3 | Spain | 43.25 M |
| 4 | Italy | 34.09 M |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 25.52 M |
| 6-10 | China (23.77M), Poland (19.52M), Mexico (19.35M), Canada (17.64M), Hungary (17.25M) | 97.53 M |
Global Tourist Arrivals Trajectory (2011–2015)
| Year | Global Arrivals | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 983 Million | Baseline |
| 2012 | 1,035 Million | +4.0% (Passed 1 Billion) |
| 2013 | 1,087 Million | +5.0% |
| 2014 | 1,135 Million | +4.4% |
| 2015 | 1,184 Million | +4.4% (+50M tourists) |
Regional Distribution & International Tourism Receipts
Tourist Inflows vs Earnings, US$ 1.245 Trillion Receipts, and Export Passenger Transport
Regional Arrival Shares (2015 - Total 1,184M)
• Europe: 609 Million (51% share) - Largest regional destination.
• Asia & the Pacific: 278 Million (23% share) - Fastest growing region.
• Americas: 191 Million (16% share).
• Middle East: 54 Million (4.5% share).
• Africa: 53 Million (4.5% share).
International Tourism Receipts Breakdown (2014)
• Global Receipts Total: US$ 1,245 Billion (US$ 1.245 Trillion).
• Europe: US$ 509 Billion (41% share).
• Asia & Pacific: US$ 377 Billion (30% share).
• Americas: US$ 274 Billion (22% share).
• Passenger Transport Exports: Added US$ 221 Billion, bringing total international tourism export earnings to US$ 1.5 Trillion (~US$ 4 Billion per day).
UNWTO Vision 2020 Projections & Promotional Frameworks
Global Forecast (1.561 Billion), Regional Shifts, UNWTO Headquarters, and World Tourism Day
UNWTO Vision 2020 Regional Forecasts
• Total Projected Arrivals: 1,561 Million (1.561 Billion) by 2020 (4.1% average annual growth rate).
• Europe: 717 Million tourists (45.9% share; 3.1% growth).
• East Asia & Pacific: 397 Million tourists (25.4% share; 6.5% growth) - Overtakes Americas for 2nd position.
• Americas: 282 Million tourists (18.1% share; 3.8% growth).
• South Asia: Projected to reach 19 Million visits (6.2% annual growth - 5 times higher than 1995 baseline).
Institutional Framework & Observance
• UNWTO Headquarters: United Nations World Tourism Organization is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
• World Tourism Day: Celebrated globally on 27th September every year to foster international awareness of tourism's social, cultural, political, and economic value.