According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, destinations worldwide received 369 million international tourists (overnight visitors) in the first four months of the year, 21 million more than in the same months of 2016 (+6%).

Visitors come to Trang An, Ninh Binh in Vietnam. Photo: Hong Hanh

With updated full-year data on international tourist arrivals, the UNWTO said international tourist arrivals grew some 4 percent to 1.24 billion. The Asia and Pacific region recorded the highest increase at some 9 percent to 308 million, of which, Southeast Asia received 113.2 million international tourists, also an increase of 9 percent from 2015.
Especially, In Asia and the Pacific, international arrivals were up 6% through April with sound results across all four sub regions. South Asia (+14%) led growth, followed by Oceania (+7%), South-East Asia (+6%) and North-East Asia (+5%). Vietnam (37th) recorded 10 million arrivals and lead in the Asia region of tourism development’s speed; ranks 6 of 10 countries with the strongest pace in tourism development in early 2017.
During the first 4 months of 2017, international arrivals to Vietnam increases by 31,2%; making the country become the fastest in tourism development in Asia. Attractive street food and breathtaking nature wonders draw visitors to Vietnam.
The country with fastest growth in tourism sector in worldwide scale is Palestine. During the first 4 months of 2017, international arrival number to Palestine jumps by 57,8%.
The report also said, some countries affected by terrorism or political instability such as Egypt, Tunisia are gradually taking its attraction back. Among those, foreign visitors to Egypt increases by 51% while the number of Tunisia jumps by 32,5%.