International tourism grew 4.4% in 2011, said the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and is expected to continue growing in 2012.
Arrivals totaled 980 million, up from 939 million in 2010.
By region, Europe led the way with 6% growth, reaching 503 million visitors and accounting for 28 million of the 41 million new international arrivals worldwide. South America inbound tourism grew 10% for the second consecutive year, and the Americas overall grew 4%, reaching 156 million arrivals in 2011.
North Africa and the Middle East were down 12% and 8%, respectively. Despite the decreases, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates saw steady growth.
While not expected to grow at the same rate in 2012, UNWTO predicts international tourism will surpass the 1 billion mark this year.
Asia and the Pacific are predicted to grow up to 6% in 2012, with the Americas and Europe up to 4%.
Overall, UNWTO forecasts arrivals to increase 3-4% this year, with emerging economies expected to have stronger growth than advanced economies.
UNWTO predictions echo those made by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) made late last year. In November, WTTC said that it expects global travel and tourism to grow about an average of 4% per year for the next ten years.
Like UNWTO, WTTC expects areas in the Middle East and Japan to recover from political unrest and natural disasters in 2011.