Things are looking up for global tourism, according to the latest figures from the UN's World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Its World Tourism Barometer says international arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% last year, with a total of 1.3 billion.
This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4%-5%. The UNWTO has yet to release its final results for 2017, but the preliminary figures use data for the first 11 months, and an estimate for December. They're not expected to change much in the final count.
WIN SOME, LOSE SOME
The growth results are good news for everyone - except maybe the uber-competitive United States. Though that country attracted a whopping 72.9 million visitors, that was down from 75.9 million in 2016. Already suffering the indignity of being at Number Two in that year for the world's highest number of international arrivals, it looks set to fall to Number Three in 2017.
Spain, meanwhile, with 82.2 million - up from 75.3 million - is in position to leap-frog the US to become the world's second-most popular destination.
France keeps the top spot for the fifth year in a row, with an estimated 88.9 million tourist arrivals last year.
THE TRUMP SLUMP
The US, meanwhile, is in the throes of what many are calling "the Trump slump", with visitor numbers in decline since President Donald Trump's inauguration.
One contributing factor is the president's travel ban, blocking passengers from some Muslim countries from entering the US. Analysts say that move also strengthened the US dollar, ironically making the country a more expensive prospect as a holiday destination.In order, the rest of the top 10 is China in third place (with 59.3 million), Italy (57.8), Turkey (39.9), Mexico (39.3), UK (38.7), Germany (37.6) and Thailand (34.7).
AFRICA'S SUCCESS
Based on available data for Africa, growth in 2017 is estimated at 8%. It consolidated its 2016 rebound and reached a record 62 million arrivals. Growth was most phenomenal in North Africa - at 13%; in sub-Saharan Africa arrivals increased by 5%.
The UNWTO report does note, however, that the results for both Africa and the Middle East should be "read with caution" as they are based on limited available data.
It adds that international travel and tourism are key economic drivers.
"As the third export sector in the world, tourism is essential for job creation and the prosperity of communities around the world," said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
"As we continue to grow, we must work together to ensure this growth benefits every member of every host community, and is in line with the sustainable development goals."
More country-specific results are expected to be released in April...