International tourism grew by 4.4 per cent last year to a record 1.184 billion as calculated by overnight visitors to international destinations, 50 million more than in 2014, and the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported today.

“The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world. It is thus critical for countries to promote policies that foster the continued growth of tourism, including travel facilitation, human resources development and sustainability” UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a press release.

Results from the UNWTO Confidence Index remain largely positive for 2016, though at a slightly lower level compared to the previous two years, with international tourist arrivals projected to grow by four per cent. Such arrivals have now increased by four per cent or more every year since the post-crisis year of 2010. Details