China, Russia, Brazil account for half of world’s tourism expenditure hike

The emerging economies of China, Russia and Brazil have been dynamic drivers of outbound tourism in recent years and account for half of world’s increase in tourism expenditure. In 2013, these three source markets accounted for some US$ 40 billion of the total US$ 81 billion increase in international tourism expenditure, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

China, which became the largest outbound market in 2012 with an expenditure of US$ 102 billion, saw an increase of 26% in spending last year to a total of US$ 129 billion.

The Russian Federation became the fourth largest outbound market in 2013, following a 25% growth to US$ 54 billion.

Brazil entered the top ten by expenditure at tenth place, on the back of a 13% increase to US$ 25 billion.

The performance of key advanced economy source markets was comparatively more modest, with the exception of Australia which spent 9% more. France (+5%) recovered from a weak 2012 whereas the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada all increased expenditure by between 2% and 4%.