Reasons for the global increase in tourism

The Tourism industry is one of the greatest providers of jobs and income in countries at all stages of development. It is the worlds largest industry, worth $500 billion in 2007. 

Factors affecting global tourism: 

Social:

• It is considered a 'normal' thing to go on holiday or abroad
• Media - people are now booking holidays online and using websites such as Tripadvisor. 
• The cost of living and the working week has changed. People are getting more time off - British minimum 28 days per year. This has lead to an increase in leisure time. 
• Older people are travelling more due to longer life expectancy - many have good pensions and can afford several trips a year.
• More families own a car - this gives greater freedom to choose when and where to spend time.
• People have become wealthier - most families have two working parents and can afford luxuries such as tourism. 
• Many people chose to visit cities to enjoy culture associated with museums, art galleries, architecture, shops and restaurants. Big cities have a huge amount to offer tourists of every age. 

Economical: 

• Able to build more resources - airports, docks, hotels (means of travel)
• The average income and benefits are higher disposable income
• Air travel has advanced - better planes and cheaper air travel. Better road and airport infrastructure.
• Availability and more choice due to increased holiday companies and facilities. 

Political:

• Political and religious unrest in certain countries or regions will effect peoples willingness to go there, such as Egypt which used to be a popular holiday destination. 
• Some countries are inclusive and do not encourage visitor, such as North Korea. 
• The world has changed since the 9/11 attack and issues related to the war on terrorism has impacted on tourism, especially to muslim countries. 
• A countries political stand on crime or drugs can have a positive or negative impact on peoples wish to visit that country.
• The opening up of the former iron curtain countries and the integration of these into the EU has increased tourism to these countries.