Spain will top the USA as the world's second most popular tourist destination. The United Nations said 7 per cent more international tourists visited Spain in 2017. Spain's prime minister said the country had over 82 million visitors last year. This continues a trend. Spain has broken tourist arrival records for the fifth year in a row. This is despite a terror attack in Barcelona and independence demonstrations in Spain's Catalonia region.
There was an 8 per cent increase in tourism to Europe in 2017. The UN said: "Europe recorded extraordinary results for such a…mature region." Africa is becoming a more attractive destination. Tourism there grew by 8 per cent. Asia saw growth of 6 per cent, the Middle East 5 per cent, and tourism to the Americas 3 per cent. The UN said: "The tourism sector is a key driver in economic development." France kept its position as the top tourist location.