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In 2018, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) counted 1,4 billion international tourist arrivals worldwide. That means 6 percent more than in the previous year. According to their forecast, the number of foreign trips will double between 2010 and 2025, increasing to over 1.8 billion by 2030.
Different, seemingly "exotic" cultures are tempting, and long-distance travel has never been cheaper. Nearly half of all journeys go to so-called developing and emerging countries, which gives tourism a significant role in the North-South relations. Tourism is considered one of the most important economic sectors worldwide and thereby provides promising opportunities for the destinations: tourism creates jobs in the hotel and hospitality industries, promotes traditional artisanry, and through the manufacturing of art and souvenirs as well as trade offers additional sources of income for the local population.
Therefore, many developing countries expect economic growth from tourism. But there is a price to pay, as tourism might also reinforce social and economic inequality, lead to environmental problems and overstrain local cultures.