According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global international tourism grew by approximately 6% in 2007 to a record 898 million arrivals, an increase of nearly 52 million on 2006.

Tourism generates around $500 billion annually making it the world's largest industry.

The fastest growing region was the Middle East with a 13% increase in visitors, up by 5 million to 46.4 million.