Emerging trends in global tourist arrivals: Challenges and implications for developing countries

Tourism has witnessed a faster growth (in arrivals) across the globe during last two decades. The market share of developing countries, in tourist arrivals, has increased from 30% in 1980 to 47% in 2012 and is estimated to reach 57% by the year 2030. Tourism has an enormous potential to help promote the economic prosperity in developing countries by creating jobs, generating income and diversifying economy, particularly in countries which lack viable alternative means of development. It can also produce impacts that are potentially threatening to the local environment and socio-cultural settings, unless properly planned and carefully developed. Though growing tourist arrivals in developing countries are positive indicators for their economic prosperity, the sustainability (environmental and socio-cultural) would always be a daunting challenge. In this perspective the present descriptive study is aiming at analyzing the latest trends in global tourist arrivals and providing an insight into the reasons that have led to the phenomenal growth in tourist arrivals to the developing countries. The implication of such rapid growth and the challenges faced by developing countries are highlighted. In the context, certain measures to maximize the sustainability of tourism destinations in developing countries are suggested.