UNWTO predicts record travel figures in 2012

A record number of people are expected to travel the world in 2012, according to leaders at the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

More tourists will take luxury holidays next year, as international arrivals are predicted to reach one billion.

A record number of travellers visited different parts of the globe in 2011, with 980 million people heading overseas during the 12-month period.

This represented an increase of 4.4 per cent when compared with 2010 and UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai is confident that 2012 will be another record-breaking year.

"International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions," he commented.

The organisation also holds high hopes for Africa in 2012, with tourist arrivals expected to increase across the continent by between four and six per cent.

With so many great attractions available to holidaymakers, it is unsurprising that the likes of South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana - which are all famed for their fantastic safari opportunities - are predicted to be popular this year.