According to data released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Palestinian territories were the fastest growing tourist destination in the world in 2017.
Tourism Growth
The list includes 10 destinations around the world with the fastest growth in tourism activities. However, it is important to note that these destinations may not be the most popular destinations in the world but that tourism has just experienced the fastest growth in a year. By observing the list carefully, two trends can be noted. Some of the destinations on the list have been victims of terrorist attacks or internal disturbances in the past, but the resumption of these incidents has encouraged an increase in tourist activities in these countries. Second, it seems that tourists are looking for newer and more exotic destinations, which is driving tourism growth in these destinations.
Palestine
Tourism is booming in Palestine. The Palestinian territories experienced a 57.8% increase in the arrival of international tourists in the first half of 2017. If the trend continues, the region will register the arrival of an estimated 630,000 vacationers by the end of the year. Effective strategies to boost tourism in the region, such as opening the boutique at the Walled Off hotel in Bethlehem, would help attract tourists to the West Bank.
Egypt
Egypt is in second place as the fastest growing tourist destination in the world in 2017 with a 51% growth in tourism. The country, famous for its history and ancient architecture, has experienced a sharp drop in tourism, from 9.1 million visitors in 2015 to only 5.26 million visitors in 2016. The political unrest prevailing in the country and the alleged terrorist activities would have contributed to the fall of tourist activities in the country. However, with the improvement of conditions, tourists once again flock to this unique destination to explore the majestic historic ruins of Egypt.
Northern Mariana Islands
With a 37.3% growth in the number of overnight visitors in one year, the Northern Mariana Islands ranks third on the list. The region received 531,000 tourists in 2016. The growth of tourism in this destination reveals the popular tendency to explore the least explored destinations in the world. The island 15 archipelago has a lot to offer tourists, including beautiful beaches and a plethora of water activities.
Iceland
Iceland is also one of the main tourist destinations in the world. However, given the country’s reputation as a refuge for tourists, this is not a surprise. The country has some of the most spectacular landscapes and geographic features in the world. Iceland also has excellent tourist facilities and a peaceful environment conducive to the rapid development of tourism.
Tunisia
Terrorist activities in the past in Tunisia have led to a drop in tourist activities in the country, as in Egypt. However, this year tourism in the country appears to be picking up quickly, with 32.5% growth in tourist arrivals to the country reported by UNWTO in the first months of 2017.
Other fast growing tourist destinations in 2017
Vietnam, Uruguay, Nicaragua, Mongolia and Israel are the next five tourist destinations with the highest growth in tourist arrivals in the first months of 2017. While Vietnam is already a popular destination with a number of rapidly growing tourists, the next three destinations on the list have experienced a sharp increase in tourism in recent years. The biggest surprise on the list is Mongolia, a completely offbeat destination, surrounded by vast sandy deserts and rugged mountain landscapes. Despite the 28.3% growth in tourist attendance, Mongolia still receives a considerably lower number of tourists than the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In the first months of 2017, around 400,000 tourists have walked in Mongolia. Israel finishes the list by being the 10th fastest growing tourist destination in the world.
The world’s fastest growing tourist destinations
| Rank | Touristic destination | Annual growth in the number of visitors in the first four months of 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palestinian territories | 57.8% |
| 2 | Egypt | 51.0% |
| 3 | Northern Mariana Islands | 37.3% |
| 4 | Iceland | 34.9% |
| 5 | Tunisia | 32.5% |
| 6 | Vietnam | 31.2% |
| 7 | Uruguay | 30.2% |
| 8 | Nicaragua | 28.4% |
| 9 | Mongolia | 28.3% |
| 10 | Israel | 25.1% |