EMPOWERING GORGORA: COMMUNITY-BASED ECOTOURISM FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Abstract

The travel industry stands as one of the most influential sectors globally, playing a pivotal role in business creation and foreign income generation. According to the UNWTO (2020), international tourist arrivals continued to grow in 2019, reaching 1.5 billion, with a 4% increase from the previous year. While growth slowed compared to the exceptional rates of 2017 (7%) and 2018 (6%), the year still marked notable regional variations. The Middle East led with an 8% increase, followed by Asia and the Pacific (5%), Europe and Africa (4%), and the Americas (2%). This steady growth highlights the increasing significance of the tourism industry in driving economic development across the globe. Despite challenges, the travel sector remains resilient, adjusting to global changes and shaping the future of international travel and tourism. This paper explores the evolution of the travel industry, its role in the global economy, and the regional dynamics that influence its growth.