Source: World Tourism Organization.
Europe accounts for the largest share of international tourist arrivals, as its tourist industry is well developed and includes many world-class cultural destinations, with France being the most visited country in the world. The share of Europe is somewhat inflated because, due to the small distances involved with what may be labeled as regional (interstate) touristic flows in North America, it is considered 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 remarkable growth in its tourism industry, accounting for close to one quarter of the world’s arrivals.