Patterns of international tourism

Abstract

This paper provides a historical and current overview of international tourism activity. Within the setting of a discussion of the nature and characteristics of tourism statistics, statistical indicators of the levels of international tourism are presented and analysed. Coverage is worldwide, split by World Tourism Organisation Region. Rankings of the leading tourism generators and receivers are given, together with concentration ratios of tourism supply and demand. Finally, the foremost world region, Europe, is considered in finer detail in view of its dominant position and leading influence on world tourism.©1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.