World Tourism

In 2008, 924 million tourists arrived in destinations all over the world.*

The tourism industry continues to be amongst the most dynamic economic sectors, generating a wide range of benefits including a growing contribution to GDP, in some cases over 10%, and substantial foreign exchange earnings.**

Despite the crucial global role of tourism, planning and research for community and tourism development is often grounded in a set of fragmented practices and outdated assumptions dominated by marketing and promotion.

The Megapolitan Tourism Research Center will support and produce knowledge capital and  projects that can guide the tourism industry into a future that benefits not only the client, but the community and the world.

* UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, Jan. 2009

** Vicky Karantzavelou, , Tourism: An engine for employment creation and economic stimulus, Travel Daily News, 04-06-2009