MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

International tourism reaches a billion and the industry celebrates

In Buenos Aires, top officials receive Ivonne at the symbolic event in Ezeiza

One billion tourists have traveled the world in 2012, marking a new record for international tourism – a sector that accounts for one in every 12 jobs and 30% of the world’s services exports. On the symbolic arrival date of the one-billionth tourist, 13 December 2012, UNWTO revealed the actions tourists can take to ensure their trips benefit the people and places they visit, as voted by the public.

International tourism has continued to grow in 2012, despite global economic uncertainty, to reach over one billion international tourist arrivals. The figure cements tourism’s position as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 9% of global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), one in every 12 jobs and up to 8% of the total exports of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Recalling the positive impact even the smallest action can have if multiplied by one billion, UNWTO launched the One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities campaign to celebrate this milestone, showing tourists that respecting local culture, preserving heritage or buying local goods when traveling can make a big difference. The public was asked to vote for the Travel Tip that would have the greatest benefit for the people and places they visit and to pledge to follow that tip when traveling.

The winning tip, revealed on the arrival date of the one-billionth tourist, was Buy Local, encouraging tourists to buy food and souvenirs locally, or hire local guides, to ensure their spending translates into jobs and income for host communities. A close second, Respect Local Culture calls on tourists to learn more about their destination’s traditions, or some words in the local language, before leaving home.

“Today, we welcome the symbolic arrival of the one-billionth tourist” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Your actions count. That is our message to the one billion tourists. Through the right actions and choices, each tourist represents an opportunity for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable future.”

As it is impossible to know exactly where the one-billionth tourist arrived, many countries are celebrating the occasion by welcoming tourists arriving on 13 December. UNWTO is celebrating in Madrid, Spain, home to its headquarters, by welcoming the symbolic one-billionth tourist in the Museo del Prado, Madrid’s most-visited tourism attraction, together with the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism of Spain.

Meanwhile in Buenos Aires there was a symbolic reception for the one billionth passenger: a lady from Brazil who arrived at Ezeiza to spend four days with her family.

Ivonne Olivera was received by Minister of Tourism Enrique Meyer and Aerolineas Argentina CEO Mariano Recalde after landing early morning Thursday on flight AR1249. Ivonne and the rest of the passengers enjoyed a display of tango plus gifts and vouchers for Buenos Aires nightlife and to visit different places of the Argentine capital.

“I came to be with my family four days in Buenos Aires but I never expected this and I really feel surprised and overwhelmed. I’m going to enjoy it the most” promised Ivonne.

Tourism Meyer underscored the significance of the event: “we held meetings with the people from WTO and according to world numbers we knew that sometime in mid December we would be receiving passenger a thousand millions (a billion) and we agreed on this celebration”.

“This is also proof of how tourism is moving ahead, despite the crisis in the northern hemisphere the arrival of tourists remains very important”, added Meyer.