Share of International Tourist Arrivals by Region, 1950-2015

Share of International Tourist Arrivals by Region 1950 2015

Source: World Tourism Organization.

Europe accounts for the largest share of international tourist arrivals, as its tourist industry is well developed with a large number of world class cultural destinations with France being the most visited country in the world. The share of Europe is somewhat inflated as due to the small distances involved with what may be labeled as regional (interstate) touristic flows in North America, is considered as international touristic flows in Europe (e.g. France – Netherlands). Still, the share of Europe and North America has declined. With the development of the airline industry, a decline in airfares and growing levels of discretionary incomes, Asia has experienced a remarkable growth of its tourism industry, accounting to close to one quarter of the world’s arrivals.