GITNUXREPORT 2025

Tourist Statistics

Global tourism grew in 2019, driven by international arrivals and eco-tourism.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The top five most visited countries in 2019 were France, Spain, the United States, China, and Italy

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Asia-Pacific accounted for 25% of global international arrivals in 2019

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The Asia-Pacific region had the highest hotel occupancy rate at 75% in 2019

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The top five most visited cities in 2019 were Bangkok, Paris, London, Dubai, and Singapore

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In 2019, the fastest-growing tourist destination regions were South Asia and Latin America, with growth rates of 12% and 10%, respectively

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Tourism in small islands grew by 12% in 2019, making island destinations popular hotspots

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The most common eco-lodges were located in Africa, Asia, and South America in 2019, catering to eco-conscious travelers

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Only 23% of international tourists used digital self-service options for check-in in 2019, indicating room for digital growth

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In 2019, sustainable tourism initiatives increased by 35% worldwide, as destinations adopted greener practices

Statistic 10

In 2019, eco-tourism accounted for approximately 20% of the total sustainable tourism market, indicating its rising popularity

Statistic 11

Tourism generated $1.9 trillion in export earnings in 2019

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The global tourism sector contributed approximately 10.4% to global GDP in 2019

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Tourists spent a total of 4.7 billion international trips in 2019

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Tourism contributed approximately 11% to employment worldwide in 2019

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Domestic tourism accounted for 86% of total global tourism revenue in 2019

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The global travel and tourism industry supported 330 million jobs in 2019

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Hotel occupancy rates worldwide averaged 67% in 2019

Statistic 18

Cruise tourism contributed $43 billion to the global economy in 2019

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Tourists worldwide generated an estimated 54 million additional jobs in 2019 through indirect, induced, and catalytic effects

Statistic 20

In 2018, the Caribbean tourism industry contributed 15% to Caribbean economies’ GDP

Statistic 21

Tourism receipts in the Mediterranean region were approximately $223 billion in 2019

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The UNESCO World Heritage Sites attracted over 1 billion visitors worldwide in 2019

Statistic 23

The travel tech industry is projected to reach $11 trillion in value by 2025

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The global film and entertainment tourism market was valued at over $30 billion in 2019

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The number of hotel rooms available globally increased by 3% in 2019, reaching over 17 million rooms

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The United Kingdom received approximately 40 million inbound tourists in 2019, contributing significantly to its economy

Statistic 27

International tourism contributed to over 35 million jobs in the hospitality and travel sector in 2019, demonstrating its economic significance

Statistic 28

The average daily spend by tourists in Europe was €104 in 2019, reflecting high spending power

Statistic 29

The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 caused a decline of approximately 74% in international arrivals worldwide

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The global spa tourism market revenue reached $54 billion in 2019, showing strong wellness tourism demand

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Tourism during major festivals and events contributed approximately 15% to destinations' annual revenue in 2019

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International tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.4 billion in 2019

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Approximately 56% of international travelers in 2019 were aged between 25-54 years

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The average length of stay for international tourists in 2019 was 8.3 nights

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The U.S. was the top international outbound market with 93 million travelers in 2019

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European travelers accounted for 45% of all international travel in 2019

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Tourism arrivals in Africa increased by 5% in 2019, reaching 67 million visitors

Statistic 38

The fastest-growing source markets for international tourism in 2019 were India, China, and the Philippines

Statistic 39

The most popular activity among tourists in 2019 was sightseeing, followed by shopping and dining

Statistic 40

In 2019, rural tourism increased by 20%, with growth driven by a rising interest in authentic experiences

Statistic 41

The number of Chinese outbound tourists surpassed 150 million in 2019, making China the largest source market globally

Statistic 42

Airbnb listings worldwide exceeded 7 million in 2019, representing a 60% increase from 2018

Statistic 43

The number of international trips taken within Europe in 2019 was about 700 million

Statistic 44

In the Asia-Pacific region, the number of international arrivals grew by 4.8% in 2019, reaching 340 million visitors

Statistic 45

The average expenditure per trip in North America was $1,200 in 2019

Statistic 46

The largest share of international tourists (around 45%) traveled for leisure purposes in 2019

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In 2019, the global aviation industry carried approximately 4.5 billion passengers

Statistic 48

In 2019, backpackers accounted for approximately 15% of international tourists, indicating a significant niche market

Statistic 49

The Maldives had the highest tourist arrival growth rate in 2019 at 17%, totaling 1.7 million visitors

Statistic 50

The global cruise ship passenger capacity exceeded 30 million in 2019, with this number expected to grow annually

Statistic 51

The data shows that travelers aged 60+ represent approximately 22% of international tourists, highlighting the aging traveler segment

Statistic 52

Planning for sustainable tourism, 63% of travelers expressed willingness to choose eco-friendly options in 2019

Statistic 53

The percentage of tourists traveling solo increased to 35% in 2019, reflecting a growing trend towards independent travel

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The top source markets for outbound travel in Europe include Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, accounting for over 60% of outbound travelers

Statistic 55

The number of international tourists visiting national parks increased by 12% in 2019, illustrating nature-based tourism growth

Statistic 56

71% of tourists in 2019 preferred to book their trips through online travel agencies or booking platforms, confirming the importance of digital channels

Statistic 57

The average age of travelers increased to 49 years in 2019, indicating an aging global traveler demographic

Statistic 58

Travelers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences, with 78% indicating they prefer customized travel options in 2019

Statistic 59

The percentage of repeat visitors in popular destinations increased by 5% in 2019, emphasizing the importance of customer loyalty

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The number of international tourist arrivals in South America increased by 8% in 2019, totaling around 30 million visitors

Statistic 61

In 2021, global domestic travel rebounded faster than international trips, accounting for 80% of pre-pandemic domestic travel levels

Statistic 62

The rise of bleisure travel (business + leisure) accounted for about 20% of corporate travel in 2019, indicating a shift in traveler preferences

Statistic 63

Adventure tourism grew by 65% in 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing tourism segments

Statistic 64

The number of tourist trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites increased by 10% in 2019, demonstrating interest in cultural heritage

Statistic 65

Travelers’ concerns about safety and security increased in 2019, influencing destination choices

Statistic 66

The global pet-friendly tourism market grew by 50% in 2019, reflecting an increase in pet-owner travelers

Statistic 67

The percentage of travelers booking last-minute trips increased to 28% in 2019, showing a trend toward spontaneous travel planning

Statistic 68

The growth of digital nomadism contributed to increased long-term stays in cities worldwide by 15% in 2019, promoting remote work tourism

Statistic 69

In 2019, the proportion of tourists using social media for travel inspiration was 72%, emphasizing the influence of digital platforms

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Key Highlights

International tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.4 billion in 2019
Tourism generated $1.9 trillion in export earnings in 2019
The global tourism sector contributed approximately 10.4% to global GDP in 2019
Approximately 56% of international travelers in 2019 were aged between 25-54 years
The top five most visited countries in 2019 were France, Spain, the United States, China, and Italy
Asia-Pacific accounted for 25% of global international arrivals in 2019
The average length of stay for international tourists in 2019 was 8.3 nights
Tourists spent a total of 4.7 billion international trips in 2019
The U.S. was the top international outbound market with 93 million travelers in 2019
European travelers accounted for 45% of all international travel in 2019
Tourism contributed approximately 11% to employment worldwide in 2019
Domestic tourism accounted for 86% of total global tourism revenue in 2019
The global travel and tourism industry supported 330 million jobs in 2019

Did you know that in 2019, a staggering 1.4 billion international tourists generated nearly $2 trillion in exports and contributed over 10% to the global economy, shaping a vibrant and dynamic travel industry that continues to evolve?

Destination and Regional Insights

The top five most visited countries in 2019 were France, Spain, the United States, China, and Italy
Asia-Pacific accounted for 25% of global international arrivals in 2019
The Asia-Pacific region had the highest hotel occupancy rate at 75% in 2019
The top five most visited cities in 2019 were Bangkok, Paris, London, Dubai, and Singapore
In 2019, the fastest-growing tourist destination regions were South Asia and Latin America, with growth rates of 12% and 10%, respectively
Tourism in small islands grew by 12% in 2019, making island destinations popular hotspots
The most common eco-lodges were located in Africa, Asia, and South America in 2019, catering to eco-conscious travelers

Destination and Regional Insights Interpretation

In 2019, global tourism proved that while iconic cities and nations still top the charts—France, Spain, the U.S., China, and Italy—regions like South Asia and Latin America, along with eco-conscious island adventures, are rapidly rewriting the travel map for a more diverse and sustainable future.

Digital Transformation in Tourism

Only 23% of international tourists used digital self-service options for check-in in 2019, indicating room for digital growth

Digital Transformation in Tourism Interpretation

With only 23% of international tourists embracing digital self-service check-ins in 2019, the travel industry has a clear digital frontier to conquer before it checks out.

Sustainable and Eco-tourism Developments

In 2019, sustainable tourism initiatives increased by 35% worldwide, as destinations adopted greener practices
In 2019, eco-tourism accounted for approximately 20% of the total sustainable tourism market, indicating its rising popularity

Sustainable and Eco-tourism Developments Interpretation

With eco-tourism making up a fifth of the sustainable tourism market and broader green initiatives surging by 35%, it’s clear that travelers are increasingly choosing the planet-friendly path—proving that traveling responsibly is not just a trend but a conscientious shift in global wanderlust.

Tourism Economic Impact

Tourism generated $1.9 trillion in export earnings in 2019
The global tourism sector contributed approximately 10.4% to global GDP in 2019
Tourists spent a total of 4.7 billion international trips in 2019
Tourism contributed approximately 11% to employment worldwide in 2019
Domestic tourism accounted for 86% of total global tourism revenue in 2019
The global travel and tourism industry supported 330 million jobs in 2019
Hotel occupancy rates worldwide averaged 67% in 2019
Cruise tourism contributed $43 billion to the global economy in 2019
Tourists worldwide generated an estimated 54 million additional jobs in 2019 through indirect, induced, and catalytic effects
In 2018, the Caribbean tourism industry contributed 15% to Caribbean economies’ GDP
Tourism receipts in the Mediterranean region were approximately $223 billion in 2019
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites attracted over 1 billion visitors worldwide in 2019
The travel tech industry is projected to reach $11 trillion in value by 2025
The global film and entertainment tourism market was valued at over $30 billion in 2019
The number of hotel rooms available globally increased by 3% in 2019, reaching over 17 million rooms
The United Kingdom received approximately 40 million inbound tourists in 2019, contributing significantly to its economy
International tourism contributed to over 35 million jobs in the hospitality and travel sector in 2019, demonstrating its economic significance
The average daily spend by tourists in Europe was €104 in 2019, reflecting high spending power
The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 caused a decline of approximately 74% in international arrivals worldwide
The global spa tourism market revenue reached $54 billion in 2019, showing strong wellness tourism demand
Tourism during major festivals and events contributed approximately 15% to destinations' annual revenue in 2019

Tourism Economic Impact Interpretation

In 2019, tourism proved to be a global economic powerhouse, generating $1.9 trillion in exports and supporting over 330 million jobs—highlighting that while a billion visitors flocked to UNESCO sites and cruise ships contributed $43 billion, the sector's very DNA is woven into the global economy's fabric, making it hard to imagine the world without a travel itinerary.

Travel Trends and Behavior

International tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.4 billion in 2019
Approximately 56% of international travelers in 2019 were aged between 25-54 years
The average length of stay for international tourists in 2019 was 8.3 nights
The U.S. was the top international outbound market with 93 million travelers in 2019
European travelers accounted for 45% of all international travel in 2019
Tourism arrivals in Africa increased by 5% in 2019, reaching 67 million visitors
The fastest-growing source markets for international tourism in 2019 were India, China, and the Philippines
The most popular activity among tourists in 2019 was sightseeing, followed by shopping and dining
In 2019, rural tourism increased by 20%, with growth driven by a rising interest in authentic experiences
The number of Chinese outbound tourists surpassed 150 million in 2019, making China the largest source market globally
Airbnb listings worldwide exceeded 7 million in 2019, representing a 60% increase from 2018
The number of international trips taken within Europe in 2019 was about 700 million
In the Asia-Pacific region, the number of international arrivals grew by 4.8% in 2019, reaching 340 million visitors
The average expenditure per trip in North America was $1,200 in 2019
The largest share of international tourists (around 45%) traveled for leisure purposes in 2019
In 2019, the global aviation industry carried approximately 4.5 billion passengers
In 2019, backpackers accounted for approximately 15% of international tourists, indicating a significant niche market
The Maldives had the highest tourist arrival growth rate in 2019 at 17%, totaling 1.7 million visitors
The global cruise ship passenger capacity exceeded 30 million in 2019, with this number expected to grow annually
The data shows that travelers aged 60+ represent approximately 22% of international tourists, highlighting the aging traveler segment
Planning for sustainable tourism, 63% of travelers expressed willingness to choose eco-friendly options in 2019
The percentage of tourists traveling solo increased to 35% in 2019, reflecting a growing trend towards independent travel
The top source markets for outbound travel in Europe include Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, accounting for over 60% of outbound travelers
The number of international tourists visiting national parks increased by 12% in 2019, illustrating nature-based tourism growth
71% of tourists in 2019 preferred to book their trips through online travel agencies or booking platforms, confirming the importance of digital channels
The average age of travelers increased to 49 years in 2019, indicating an aging global traveler demographic
Travelers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences, with 78% indicating they prefer customized travel options in 2019
The percentage of repeat visitors in popular destinations increased by 5% in 2019, emphasizing the importance of customer loyalty
The number of international tourist arrivals in South America increased by 8% in 2019, totaling around 30 million visitors
In 2021, global domestic travel rebounded faster than international trips, accounting for 80% of pre-pandemic domestic travel levels
The rise of bleisure travel (business + leisure) accounted for about 20% of corporate travel in 2019, indicating a shift in traveler preferences
Adventure tourism grew by 65% in 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing tourism segments
The number of tourist trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites increased by 10% in 2019, demonstrating interest in cultural heritage
Travelers’ concerns about safety and security increased in 2019, influencing destination choices
The global pet-friendly tourism market grew by 50% in 2019, reflecting an increase in pet-owner travelers
The percentage of travelers booking last-minute trips increased to 28% in 2019, showing a trend toward spontaneous travel planning
The growth of digital nomadism contributed to increased long-term stays in cities worldwide by 15% in 2019, promoting remote work tourism
In 2019, the proportion of tourists using social media for travel inspiration was 72%, emphasizing the influence of digital platforms

Travel Trends and Behavior Interpretation

In 2019, with over 1.4 billion travelers seeking authentic, leisure, and personalized experiences—often via social media and eco-friendly options—the world’s tourism industry not only demonstrated robust growth across all regions but also highlighted a shifting demographic and behavioral landscape that challenges destinations to innovate and cater to an increasingly diverse and digitally connected global traveler—making travel more than just a journey, but a complex tapestry of cultural exchange, economic impact, and evolving preferences.