International tourism continued to thrive last year despite the recession, proving that you really shouldn’t ditch your plans for an adventure vacation! In fact, only the Japanese spent less on international tourism last year and these countries spent the most;
10. Netherlands, $21.7 billion (+9.2%)
9. Russia, $24.9 billion (+11.8%)
8. Canada, $26.9 billion (+8.4%)
7. Japan, $27.9 billion (-7.9%)
6. Italy, $30.8 billion (+4.9%)
5. China, $36.2 billion (+21.4%)
4. France, $43.1 billion (+9.6%)
3. UK, $68.5 billion (+4.4%)
2. USA, $79.7 billion (+4.4%)
1. Germany, $91.0 billion (+2%)
So have you cut back your travel plans in light of the recent economic difficulties or did you still venture abroad last year? Leave us your comments below. Thanks to the Independent for the information.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Can I ask if the figures quoted above are for how much people, from the countries stipulated, spent whilst abroad on holiday or if it’s what they spent in order to travel internationally? I found the title and opening paragraph a little confusing/contradictory.
If it’s how much people from the countries mentioned spent to get abroad then I’m really surprised to see both France and Italy in the top 10. I can only imagine that they largely stay close to their home countires i.e. within Europe. As a seasoned backpacker I rarely meet people from France and Italy outside of Europe.
I’d be interested to see an average per head spend for these countries and see how that effects the order. Again I’m surprised to see Russia, China and the US on here too. I guess with such large populations it skews the figures a little if you’re looking at this from the viewpoint of those countries that have a population with a high propensity to travel abroad. I’d be willing to bet that on a per head spend that Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and maybe Sweden would appear on the list then.