Barcelona, 21st January 2016 – International tourist arrivals increased by 4, 4% worldwide in 2015, reaching a total of 1.184 million tourists. The Mediterranean welcomed more than 30% of these total arrivals and, according to the recent report of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), this number should reach 500 million in 2030. This positive trend of the industry in the region significantly contributes to the economic growth and the development of the Mediterranean countries. It is necessary not only to further strengthen the industry but also doing it in an innovative, sustainable and coordinated way.
The Mediterranean tourist arrivals, which represents 30% of the tourist global revenues and it is estimated to be increased between 2 and 5% annually, according to the WTO data published this week, demonstrates its capacity to adapt to changes on a globally competitive world. France, Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey capture 80% of international tourist arrivals in the region. The prospects are also very positive in the north of the Mediterranean, especially in Balkans countries such as Montenegro or Croatia. In the South, many efforts are being made in this regard such as in Morocco. In spite of the persistent economic and geopolitical challenges, the tourist industry positions itself as a driver for the regional growth and the creation of millions of jobs every year.
A Fragmented Mediterranean Tourism
Even though the figures position the sector as a global leader, Mediterranean tourism is still heterogeneous and fragmented. In a world, every day more competitive led by innovation, the Mediterranean and its businesses have to find ways to offer tourist services consistent with the current scenario. The Mediterranean countries not only have to keep consolidating the competitiveness of the sector but also improve it with more conviction and as a priority, through alternative models such as the creation of green hotels; the creation of added value and transversal jobs, all with the key support of the private sector. In a word, we must bet on sustainable tourism growth.
In this regard, ASCAME will organize on May in Mersin (Turkey) a new edition of MEDITOUR, the main forum dealing with the tourist industry in the region, in order to analyze the need to boost tourism, under the coordination between the countries from both shores of the Mediterranean: Which should be our strategy? Which tools could be implemented by the economic actors?, Which are the prospects of climate change?. Those are some of the points that will be discussed during this event.