International tourism is the world's largest export earner and an important factor in the balance of payments of many countries.
Tourism is an important job creator, employing millions of people around the world.
Rural Opportunities: Tourism jobs and businesses are usually created in the most underdeveloped regions of a country, helping to equalize economic opportunities throughout a nation and providing an incentive for residents to remain in rural areas rather than move to overcrowded cities.
Travel and tourism stimulates enormous investments in new infrastructure, most of which helps to improve the living conditions of local residents as well as tourists.
The tourism industry provides governments with hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues each year.

But enrichment is not just economic…

The environment and local culture receive a boost when authorities restore monuments, open museums and establish natural parks to lure visitors. As tourism increases, so does a destination's need to improve infrastructure to handle the influx. New airports, roads, marinas, sewage and water treatment plants and dozens of other projects are the result, providing a substantial improvement in the residents' own lives from cleaner drinking water to speedier communications.

And most important of all: tourism is a human story… it enriches with culture, environmental and social awareness, helps families to spend time together, brings openness and friendliness, be it on leisure or work. Tourism promotes peace and cooperation among nations and builds bridges.