PH joins list of fastest-growing tourism spenders

The Philippines was identified as one of the top emerging markets in terms of expenses overseas on tourism for 2013, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Based on the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the Philippines registered an 18-percent growth in outbound expenditures, outpacing the growth performance of “key advanced economy source markets” such as France, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

The Philippines joined Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Indonesia, Ukraine and Brazil on the list of the so-called emerging markets with substantial growth in outbound expenditures.

The top two markets for outbound tourism last year were China and Russia.

International tourism results have remained well above expectations, according to the UNWTO, with arrivals growing by 5 percent in 2013 to reach a record 1.087 billion arrivals, amid global economic challenges.

Demand for international tourism, in relative terms, was strongest for destinations in Asia and the Pacific and Africa, which both registered a 6-percent increase in tourist arrivals last year, followed by Europe at 5 percent.

In absolute terms (volume), Europe led the growth as it welcomed an additional 29 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, raising the total to 563 million.

“2013 was an excellent year for international tourism. The tourism sector has shown a remarkable capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions, fueling growth and job creation around the world, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical challenges. Indeed, tourism has been among the few sectors generating positive news for many economies,” UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai said in a statement.

For 2014, the UNWTO has forecast a 4 percent to 4.5 percent growth, above its long-term forecast of a 3.8 percent growth per year between 2010 and 2020. The UNWTO Confidence Index, based on the feedback from over 300 experts worldwide, confirms this outlook with prospects for 2014 higher than in previous years.

The regional prospects for 2014 are strongest for Asia and the Pacific, with an expected growth of 5-6 percent, and Africa, with a 4-6 percent growth, the UNWTO added.