U.S. to loose second spot as most popular tourism location

PARIS, France - According to figures set to be released by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain is set to replace the U.S. as the world's second most popular tourism location.

France will reportedly retail the top spot on the UNWTO list.

According to latest estimates, the total number of international tourist arrivals grew 7 percent in 2017 to 1.3 billion.

The UNWTO said that this "strong momentum" was expected to continue in 2018.

It is expecting a growth rate of between 4 percent and 5 percent.

However, the UNWTO would publish the definitive figures only until the spring.

Both the U.S. and Spain received around 76 million international visitors in 2016 - however, last week Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the country had a record year in 2017.

Last year, over 82 million international visitors were recorded - a year-on-year leap of almost 8 percent.

The UNWTO said in its preliminary analysis of 2017 tourism data, "Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary results for such a large and rather mature region."

According to the UNWTO, Europe saw an 8 percent increase in international arrivals during the year, with similar numbers recorded in Africa. 

Meanwhile, Asia and the Pacific recorded 6 percent, the Middle East 5 percent and the Americas 3 percent.

According to the analysts, tourism was boosted by a global economic upswing.

A rebound in spending from Brazil and the Russian Federation following years of decline also helped boost the industry.

UNWTO chief Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement, “International travel continues to grow strongly, consolidating the tourism sector as a key driver in economic development. As the third export sector in the world, tourism is essential for job creation and the prosperity of communities around the world."