Tourism Receipts per Capita 2017

In 2017, the United States led the world in Tourism Receipts per Capita with a staggering total of USD 233,758,000,000, while Kiribati recorded the lowest at USD 5,170,000. The global range of tourism receipts per capita highlights the varied strength of tourism economies worldwide. The average tourism receipts per capita across 156 countries stood at USD 7,990,578,129.49, providing a broad context for understanding the global tourism landscape in 2017.

Economic Powerhouses and Their Tourism Receipts

The dominance of the United States in tourism receipts is indicative of its vast and diverse tourism offerings, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks, supported by robust infrastructure and marketing. Similarly, France and Thailand, with receipts of USD 67,717,000,000 and USD 57,057,000,000 respectively, underscore their global appeal, driven by historical sites and vibrant cityscapes. These countries benefit from well-established tourism industries, which are integral to their economies and are supported by extensive international connectivity and hospitality sectors.

In contrast, smaller economies like Kiribati and Tuvalu with receipts of USD 5,170,000 and USD 6,700,000 respectively, illustrate the challenges faced by less accessible destinations. These countries' remote locations and limited infrastructure hinder their ability to attract large numbers of tourists, resulting in lower tourism receipts per capita.

Geographic and Policy Influences on Tourism Receipts

Geographical location and government policies significantly influence tourism receipts. China, Hong Kong SAR and China, Macao SAR are prime examples, with receipts of USD 38,138,000,000 and USD 36,596,000,000 respectively. Their strategic positions as gateway cities in Asia and favorable visa policies attract significant tourist traffic, boosting their tourism economies.

Conversely, countries like Afghanistan and Guinea-Bissau, with receipts of USD 16,000,000 and USD 16,440,001, face challenges due to political instability and inadequate infrastructure. These factors deter potential tourists, limiting their tourism receipts despite having unique cultural and natural attractions.

Year-over-Year Changes and Economic Impacts

The year-over-year changes in tourism receipts reveal significant economic shifts. Egypt experienced an exceptional increase of USD 5,330,000,000 (161.2%), attributed to improved security and renewed interest in its historical sites. This recovery illustrates the impact of stability on tourism.

In contrast, Germany saw a decrease of USD 12,223,000,000 (-23.4%), possibly due to economic factors and shifts in travel patterns within Europe. Similarly, South Korea faced a decline of USD 3,751,000,000 (-17.9%), impacted by geopolitical tensions affecting inbound tourism.

Significant Movers in Tourism Receipts

Thailand and Turkey were among the biggest movers, with increases of USD 8,598,000,000 (17.7%) and USD 5,608,000,000 (20.9%) respectively. Thailand's growth can be attributed to strategic marketing campaigns and infrastructure improvements, while Turkey's rebound is linked to increased security and diversification of tourist attractions.

On the downside, Brazil and Myanmar experienced decreases of USD 438,000,000 (-6.6%) and USD 301,000,000 (-13.1%), reflecting economic challenges and regional instability. These shifts highlight the sensitivity of tourism receipts to both external economic conditions and internal policy decisions.

The analysis of tourism receipts per capita in 2017 underscores the complex interplay of economic, geographic, and policy factors that shape the global tourism landscape. While some countries leverage their strengths effectively, others face significant hurdles, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing.