Exports from international tourism rise to US$ 1.5 trillion in 2014

Receipts from international visitors spending on accommodation, food and drink, entertainment, shopping and other services and goods reached an estimated US$ 1,245 billion (euro 937 billion) in 2014, an increase of 3.7% in real terms (taking into account exchange rate fluctuations and inflation). International tourist arrivals increased by 4.4% in 2014, reaching a total 1,135 million, up from 1,087 million in 2013.

Aside from international tourism receipts (the travel item of the Balance of Payment), tourism also generates export earnings through international passenger transport services (rendered to non-residents). The latter amounted to an estimated US$ 221 billion in 2014, bringing total exports from international tourism up to US$ 1.5 trillion, or US$ 4 billion a day on average.

“International tourism is an increasingly significant component of international trade as seen in export earnings from international tourism and passenger transport, which reached US$ 1.5 trillion in 2014” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “In a scenario with decreasing commodity prices, spending on international tourism grew significantly in 2014, proving the sector’s capacity to stimulate economic growth, boost exports and create jobs”, he added.

International tourism (travel and passenger transport) represents 30% of the world’s exports of services and 6% of overall exports of goods and services. As a worldwide export category, tourism ranks fourth after fuels, chemicals and food, ranking first in many developing countries.

International tourism receipts grew in all regions

Europe, which accounts for 41% of worldwide international tourism receipts, saw an increase in tourism earnings in absolute terms of US$ 17 billion to US$ 509 billion (euro 383 billion). Asia and the Pacific (30% share) saw an increase of US$ 16 billion, reaching US$ 377 billion (euro 284 bn). In the Americas, (22% share), receipts increased by US$ 10 billion to a total of US$ 274 billion (euro 206 bn). In the Middle East (4% share), tourism receipts increased by an estimated US$ 4 billion to US$ 49 billion (euro 37 bn) and in Africa (3% share) by US$ 1 billion to US$ 36 billion (euro 27 bn).

By subregion, Northern Europe, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, North-East Asia, Oceania, South Asia, Caribbean, Central America, South America and the Middle East showed fastest growth in relative terms, all recording +5% or over in receipts.

Top earners: China and the United Kingdom move up in the top ten

In the top ten ranking by tourism earnings, China climbed from 5^th to 3^rd place following a 10% increase in earnings to US$ 57 billion in 2014. The United States (US$ 177 billion) and Spain (US$ 65 billion) maintained first and second positions in the ranking. The United Kingdom (US$ 45 billion) moved up two positions to 7^th, boosted by the lasting effects of the Olympics and the appreciation of the UK pound (increasing receipts calculated in US dollar terms). France, Macao (China) and Italy occupy the 4^th to 6^th positions respectively, while Germany, Thailand and Hong Kong (China) complete the top ten.

Top spenders: spending by advanced economies picks up

In terms of outbound tourism, the world’s top spender China continued its exceptional pace of growth with a 28% increase in expenditure in 2014, reaching a total of US$ 165 billion. While the two other major emerging markets among the first 10, the Russian Federation (-6%, 5^th largest) and Brazil (+2%, 10^th largest) lost strength, various advanced economy source markets picked up in growth. The world’s second largest spender, the United States posted a 7% increase. The United Kingdom spent 4% more and moved from 5^th to 4^th in the ranking. France increased expenditure by 11%, retaining the 6^th position, and Italy by 6%, climbing from 9^th to 8^th. Germany (3^rd), Canada (7^th) and Australia (9^th) take the remaining places of the top ten.

Please note that the above data is preliminary and subject to revision.