Image: Global tourism receipts increased 3.8 per cent

International tourism receipts surpassed US$1tn (EUR768bn, £620bn) for the first time last year, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, receipts increased by 3.8 per cent in real terms compared with the previous year after arrivals went up by 4.6 per cent.

The research has also showed that the global sector is continuing to recover the losses made during the "crisis year" of 2009, with most destinations reporting new record highs.

On a regional level, the largest increases in receipts were reported by the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific (5.7 per cent, 5.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively).

Elsewhere, Africa saw a 2.2 per cent growth in international tourism receipts but the Middle East was the only region to report a decline, with receipts down 14 per cent on 2010 figures.

UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said: "The past two years have shown healthy demand for international tourism out of many markets, even though economic recovery has been uneven.

"We trust that governments worldwide will progressively recognize this and engage in measures that support tourism including fairer tax policies and the facilitation of visas and travellers' movements."

Details: www.unwto.org

Image: egd/shutterstock.com