Outbound travel data shows 6.5% increase in 2017

IPK’s World Travel Monitor, shows 2017 was an exceptionally strong year for international travel. Europe was the main growth driver as both a source market as well as a destination region

Worldwide the number of outbound trips has increased by 6.5%, reaching 1.2 billion international trips in 2017.

These findings are based on the latest results of IPK’s World Travel Monitor, an annual survey analysing the outbound travel behaviour in more than 60 countries worldwide, covering over 90% of the global outbound demand.

In 2017, Europe was the strongest source region for international travel with an overall increase of 7% compared to last year, followed by North and Latin America with both 6% and Asia with 5%.

As a destination region, Europe could profit most with 8% more trips in 2017. Looking at destinations on a country level, Spain takes the lead, with the USA and Germany ranking second and third. France and Italy are the fourth and fifth most successful destinations. When it comes to holiday types, city trips were the main growth driver in 2017 with an increase of 18%. Sun and beach holidays, which represent the largest holiday market share, grew by 9%.

Earlier this year, IPK International conducted their fifth special survey on the influence of terror threats on international travel behaviour in main source markets worldwide. The study revealed that for 37% of international travellers the recent instability and terror warnings will have an influence on their travel plans for 2018, compared to 41% in October 2017.

Regarding the question what kind of influence the current situation could have on the travel behaviour, 24% stated that they will still be travelling abroad, however only to destinations they perceive as safe. For some destinations, the safety image has improved, and they are rated slightly safer compared to October 2017. This applies to Spain, USA, Germany and the UK.

IPK International anticipates global outbound trips to increase by a robust 5% in 2018. Latin America is expected to be one of the high performers with an increase of 7%, closely followed by Asia (+6%). International travel from Europe as well as North America is forecasted to grow by 4% each.

View the IMTJ Medical Tourism Research: Facts & Figures 2018 for the latest country-by-country assessment of inbound and outbound medical tourism.