AMERICAS INBOUND TRENDS
AMERICAS INBOUND TRENDS & FIGURES The Americas continued to enjoy positive results across most destinations in the first half of 2017, with international arrivals up 3%. South America (+6%) and Central America (+5%) led growth, followed by the Caribbean (+4%). Results in North America (+2%) were weighed down by a 4% decrease in arrivals in the United States, the region’s largest destination. Strong US outbound flows continued to fuel growth across the region, thanks to a robust US dollar and economy. An increase in air connectivity also attracted more tourists from overseas markets to the region. In South America (+6%), Uruguay (+27%), Colombia (+20%), Chile (+17%) and Paraguay (+12%) boasted double-digit growth. Intraregional Cuba is still pending, but the trend is reportedly also upward. Results in smaller island destinations were more mixed. Growth in Dominica (+15%), Bermuda (+13%), Barbados and Saint Lucia (both +8%) was above the subregional average, while other small Caribbean islands reported weaker growth. In North America (+2%), Mexico (+12%) and Canada (+6%) continued to enjoy strong demand from the US, as well as from overseas markets. By contrast, the United States itself reported a 4% decline in the first quarter of 2017, with arrivals from Canada up, but declines from Mexico and the majority of overseas markets in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America Ruins of the Ciudad Perdida Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Colombia 3% RISE IN INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS TO AMERICAS UNWTO World Tourism Barometer statistics on first half 2017 © Gavin Rough demand remained strong with outbound tourism from Brazil and Argentina on the rise. Arrivals in Ecuador (+9%) rebounded, while Peru recorded 4% more arrivals. Inbound data for 2017 from major destinations Brazil and Argentina have not yet been reported. Nicaragua (+26%) and Guatemala (+13%) led results in Central America (+5%). Costa Rica, the subregion’s largest destination, reported a 3% increase in arrivals, while the second largest, Panama, suffered a 10% decline. Belize (+8%), El Salvador (+6%) and Honduras (+3%) recorded positive results as well. The Caribbean (+4%) saw solid performance in major destination the Dominican Republic (+6%), while Jamaica (+4%) and Puerto Rico (+3%) also posted positive results. Data for INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS, AMERICAS 8 6 4 2 0 3.6 3 Americas 16/15 17*/16 Jan - Jun 2.4 2 North America Source: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) © 4.6 4 Caribbean 4.9 5 6.9 Central America (% change) 6 South America
AMERICAS INBOUND TRENDING DESTINATIONS Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #36 2017 Autumn Edition 33 With 42.9 million visitors in 2016 – yet again a new record – Las Vegas is considered one of the premium travel destinations in the world – for many types of tourism, with gambling now far from being the key attraction. We met recently in Las Vegas with Michael Goldsmith, Vice President of International Marketing, LVCVA for an update… The rise in visitors from international markets has been very important since the recession, with record numbers the last couple of years – not just in international visitors, but overall. We are on target to reach a new record and Station Casinos are investing significantly in expansion. The Aria is changing and expanding and adding more convention space. In Las Vegas, we are our own greatest competition, because the expectation and service levels are so good here. How is promotion of Las Vegas evolving? Distribution channels are changing. We’ve always talked about what there is to do in Las Vegas and how the destination makes people feel. We are now communicating differently, using a lot more digital, because the way people consume information is different today. The messaging Michael Goldsmith Vice President, International Marketing, LVCVA WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS… Las Vegas is a key gaming and MICE destination… but now, it’s so much more this year as well, and international visitors remain a focus of our efforts. They of course stay longer, spend more and plan further in advance. Our largest inbound markets are Canada, Mexico and the UK. We are seeing a lot of growth from the Pacific region – China and Australia. Our major markets in Europe are Germany and France. hasn’t really changed though over the past decade. ‘What happens here stays here’ continues to evolve, but it remains the core component. What’s changed is the distribution, as the way people purchase travel has changed. Consequently, everything we do is optimised for mobile and online The Convention Center is getting a big boost. Can you tell us a little more about that? We are a little bit different from most DMOs because we also own and operate this convention facility. Our board of directors has just approved an addition of around 56,000 square metres, which is a significant increase. MGM Grand has announced additional space, (...) WE ARE OUR OWN GREATEST COMPETITION, BECAUSE THE EXPECTATION AND SERVICE LEVELS ARE SO GOOD HERE.
