"Since the 1950's, the number of people going on holiday has soared. The global tourism industry is booming. In 2017, it generated eight trillion dollars to the economy and accounts for 10% of employment worldwide.
Americans used to be the biggest movers in the industry, but now it's the Chinese. Last year, more Chinese people traveled and spent more money doing so than any other nationality. As middle classes get wealthier across emerging market countries, their travel budgets also grow. The number of Indian travelers is rising, with countries such as Jordan, Australia, and Israel making it easier for Indians to obtain visas.
Although only seven percent of Chinese citizens own a passport, by 2030, Chinese trips will account for around a quarter of international tourism. Thailand is the top international destination for Chinese travelers. For residents of the United States, Mexico is the number one choice. However, Europeans tend to stay in Europe, with around 90% of nights spent by tourists in the E.U. being by European residents.
Europe is the most visited continent, with France being the most visited country in the world. On the other end of the spectrum, Tuvalu, the small island nation in the South Pacific, is the least visited. This is mainly because of its remote location from the rest of the world.
Tourism is increasing in most areas of the world except for the United States. Travel bans on people from Muslim countries, increased visa checks, and the stronger dollar have made the U.S. a less attractive destination for visitors."