According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a record-breaking 1.2 billion tourists traveled abroad in 2015. Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific all recorded about 5% increases in international arrivals.
Regional breakdown —
According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a record-breaking 1.2 billion tourists traveled abroad in 2015. Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific all recorded about 5% increases in international arrivals.
UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
The UNWTO Confidence Index predicts that international tourist arrivals will increase by 4% worldwide in 2016.
So what next? —
The UNWTO Confidence Index predicts that international tourist arrivals will increase by 4% worldwide in 2016.
UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
Last year saw a rise of 4.4% -- or 50 million travelers -- over 2014. It was the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth.
Four years of growth —
Last year saw a rise of 4.4% -- or 50 million travelers -- over 2014. It was the sixth consecutive year of above-average growth.
DALE DE LA REY/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
China led global outbound travel in 2015, pouring cash into Asian destinations such as Japan and Thailand, as well as the United States and European destinations.
China on the move —
China led global outbound travel in 2015, pouring cash into Asian destinations such as Japan and Thailand, as well as the United States and European destinations.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The UNWTO report says the appreciation of the U.S. dollar stimulated outbound travel from the United States. This benefited the Caribbean and Central America. Both recorded 7% growth in 2015.
Currency at play —
The UNWTO report says the appreciation of the U.S. dollar stimulated outbound travel from the United States. This benefited the Caribbean and Central America. Both recorded 7% growth in 2015.
ERIKA SANTELICES/AFP/AFP/Getty Images