In 2012, for the first time in history, the number of international tourists arriving globally has exceeded one billion (+3,8% y/y). The value follows two years of growth which had already allowed for the full recovery of the drop in arrivals recorded during the 2009 recession. In spite of a not very encouraging economic situation, Europe is by far the main destination: with 535 million arrivals in 2012, the old continent collected more than half of the world's tourists.
According to WTO (World Tourist Organisation) data, in 2012 the United States confirmed itself as the leading country for revenues from international tourism (with 128,6 billion dollars), followed by Spain, France, China and Italy. The ranking of the main countries in terms of spending on international tourism is instead led by China, which with $102 billion in 2012 surpassed the United States and Germany, both still at $84 billion.
In Italy in the course of 2012 the number of foreign tourists arriving increased: according to the Bank of Italy, 76,7 million travelers have crossed the border. Spending by foreign tourists in 2012 exceeded 32 billion euros and reached a maximum point in the last five years. The Swiss, Germans, Austrians and the United States are confirmed as the main customers in terms of number of arrivals, while tourists from the BRIC countries are still relatively few, albeit growing strongly (1,8 million overall). Russians in particular have reached one million arrivals.
Between 1997 and 2012, the contribution of international tourism to the growth of the GDP in Italy was negative: against a decrease in the expenditure of foreigners in Italy at constant values of around 1% on average for the year, the expenditure of Italians abroad at constant prices they grew during the period at an average annual rate of 0,5%. The Italian market share of world tourist expenditure is also decreasing: in 1982 Italy collected 7,9% of world tourist revenues and was the second country in the world for market share. Today the share has halved and our country has dropped to fifth position, surpassed since 2010 by China. The scarce valorisation of the cultural heritage represents one of the most important obstacles to the development of the sector.
Attachments: Bnl Focus no. 18.pdf
