International travel, aided with a passport, is on the rise – amounting to 2% of the global gross domestic product in 2018. This is six percent more than 2017 and though the final figures are not in for 2019 yet, it is expected to be even higher. But why and where are the travelers headed to?
Looking back in 1950, there were 25 million international tourists. This rose to 166 million in 1970 and 435 million in 1990 and then 1.4 billion traveling over the holidays last year.
The growth of budget airlines has made international travel easier for many to afford. In addition, online reviews and online bookings have not only reduced prices, but have also increased satisfaction, according to Nikodem Szumilo of University College London faculty.
Most popular overseas destination is Europe with 713 million visitors in 2018. By nation, France is out in the front, followed by Spain, the U.S., China, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Thailand, and Turkey. Though we may see a change in 2019 with travel to North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East climbing with travelers looking for new places to travel to.
As to specific locations, our Empire State Building in New York is the world’s choice for travel, with New York’s Freedom Tower snagging second. North to the CN Tower in Toronto for number three, then to Paris for the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower to finish the top five.
The most travelers come from China, followed by German, the U.S., and the U.K.
With Christmas right around the corner, where are the most tourists headed to? London, England tops the list for a traditional Christmas. Number two, Carmel by the Sea in California, provides a warmer choice. Number three, the Maldives, is even warmer with a Christmas Market selling boutique items spa, products, and food and beverage.
Then it’s back to the U.S. for snow and skiing with Aspen, Colorado coming in fourth. Then it’s a bit of “Holiday Inn” with number five – Washington, Connecticut. The first Christmas comes to mind with the sixth most popular choice – Jerusalem in Israel.
Donegal, Ireland steps in at number seven, followed by the Big Island of Hawaii, Lapland in Finland, and Nantucket, Massachusetts. So this Christmas, why not only add to the 2019 travel numbers but take a chance to see the world? Start by seeing us to get a passport started today!
