International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival (World Bank).
Key Observations:
- Leading Destinations: The United States, France, and China lead in international tourism arrivals within the G20, reflecting their strong global appeal and diverse attractions, from iconic landmarks to rich cultural experiences.
- Emerging Markets: Countries like China and Turkey have shown significant growth in tourism, driven by economic development, improved infrastructure, and strategic investments in the tourism sector, making them increasingly popular destinations.
- Global Events Impact: Tourism in G20 countries has been influenced by global events, with notable fluctuations due to economic crises, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in 2020 arrivals.
Source: THE WORLD BANK, G20
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