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2017
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2018 HOTREC ANNUAL REPORT
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International travel continues to growstrongly, consolidating tourismas a key driver in socio-economic development.
In 2017, international tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable, and record-breaking, 7% to reach a total of 1,320 million.
2017 was the eighth consecutive year of above-average growth in people crossing borders for tourism, bringing
immense benefits to countries, communities and societies.
For such a large and rather mature region, Europe recorded extraordinary results in 2017. Led by Mediterranean
destinations, the continent received 8% more international arrivals than in 2016. Across the 28 countries of the
European Union (EU) international tourist arrivals reached 538 million, a growth of 7.5% over 2016, in line with that
of the region as a whole.
The continued growth of tourism across Europe translates into more jobs, competitive economies and better
lives for its citizens. As tourism growth continues, a stronger and more integrated Europe is needed to promote a
higher level of regional cooperation; incentivize education, innovation and entrepreneurship; better facilitate visas;
invest in the digitalization in tourism; adapt to new market changes; and place sustainability at the core of tourism
development in line with the universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Working together we can growmore sustainably as a sector, which is why UNWTO is pleased to have a longstanding
relationship with HOTREC. I thank HOTREC for its continuous commitment to advancing knowledge on sustainable
development in the hospitality industry and beyond, including through several important projects with UNWTO.
One of these projects has been to exchange knowledge and experience on the new platform tourism services (the
so-called sharing economy). One of the great challenges facing our sector is to bring tourism policies in line with
these market changes.
With strong partnerships and by adapting correctly, we can address these challenges and increase the quality,
sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector. UNWTO will continue to work with HOTREC to lead the
sustainable development at this pivotal time of change.
We welcome HOTREC’s Annual Report and its overview of European hospitality and trust it will help all readers
better understand the value of hospitality for tourism in Europe.
MESSAGE FROM MR. ZURAB
POLOLIKASHVILI, SECRETARY GENERAL
OF THE WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION
“I thank HOTREC for its continuous
commitment to advancing knowledge on
sustainable development in the hospitality
industry and beyond, including through
several important projects with UNWTO.”