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Global trends

"Tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, or other purposes."(World Tourism Organization, 1991)

Tourism is an activity that has grown by around 25 % in the past 10 years. It now accounts for around 10 % of the world’s economic activity and is one of the main generators of employment. (UNEP).

In the Mediterranean from 1970 until 2002 international tourists have increased by 400% and according to the WTO and Plan Bleu forecasts, levels could reach 396 million by 2025. Globally 760 million international arrivals were recorded in 2004, accounting for almost US$622 billion of receipts. (WTO World Tourism Barometer, June 2005.).

In the EU, in its narrow definition, tourism currently contributes some 4% to EU GDP, varying from about 2% in several new Member States and 12% in Malta. Its indirect contribution to GDP creation is much higher - tourism indirectly generates more than 10% of EU GDP and provides about 12% of all jobs. (EEA, EC)

Read more about the global trends in travel & tourism:

• Tourism impacts

• Tourism and the environment

• Sustainable tourism

• Responsible traveler