Tourist arrivals in the Caribbean and Central America decreased in 2018

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) reported that in 2018 the Caribbean and Central America region did not experience growth in the arrival of international tourists, which was affected by the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.

The WTO statistics indicate that the decrease was 2 percent.

Meanwhile, the rise in the Americas was significant, with a growth of three percent, by receiving 217 million international arrivals last year, with mixed results in all destinations.

North America headed the list of highest tourist arrivals, with a 4 percent increase, while South America had a 3 percent increase.

Globally, the number of vacationers in the world grew by 6 percent, with 1.4 billion last year, well above the 3.7 percent growth of the world economy.

Zurab Pololikashvili, WTO Secretary General, acknowledged that tourism has confirmed in recent years that it is one of the most significant engines of economic growth and development.

He added that it is necessary to manage it from a sustainable point of view in order to reverse it into real benefits for all nations, especially local communities.

According to WTO's long-term forecast, published in 2010, it planned for 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals by 2020, but economic growth, more affordable air travel, technological changes, new business models and increased visa facilitation have accelerated growth in recent years.

Based on current trends, economic prospects and the WTO confidence rate, international arrivals are expected to grow by three to four per cent next year, more in line with historical growth trends.

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