In 2013 Europeans will undertake even more trips abroad and can expect a rise in the number of overseas arrivals. Photo: AFP/gyn9037/Shutterstock.com
The report, published on Tuesday by ITB Berlin, presents a positive overview of the travel industry
during the first eight months of 2012 as well as a positive forecast for 2013.
For 2013, European countries can expect an increase of 1 to 3 percent in international arrivals, especially from countries such as China, India and Brazil. The report also predicts a moderate increase of around 1 to 2 percent in European outbound travel.
Russians will be leading the growth with a rise of 9 percent in outbound tourism, whereas the UK and Germany can expect a smaller increase of 5 and 3 percent respectively.
The numbers for 2012 are also positive. During 2012, the number of stays abroad by European travelers rose by around 2 percent, city tours grew by 14 percent and breaks of one to three nights rose by 10 percent.
Trips to more distant destinations were also on the rise as the report shows an increase in long-haul travel by European tourists. The main destinations included the US and Asia Pacific, rising by 2 and 8 percent respectively.
Southern European countries benefited from a rise in the number of visitors from Eastern Europe. Inbound tourism in Italy was up by 2 percent with an increase in visitor numbers from Russia and Poland. Spain and Portugal reported a 3 percent rise in inbound tourism.
The report is based on the assessments of around 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in major source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor. The findings reflect trends that emerged during the first eight months of 2012.