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The World Tourism Organization (WTO) recently released the 2013 UNWTO Tourism Highlights report, which contains data on trends in international tourism last year, as well as statistics and rankings of the world's main tourist destinations. One of the highlights is that vacation, leisure, and recreation travel is the number one reason travelers go to international destinations.

How many tourists traveled last year? Where did they go? In what countries did they spend more money? Check out some of the most interesting highlights in this WTO report!

1. The number of international tourists is 40 times higher than 64 years ago

In 1950, there were 25 million international tourist arrivals. Last year, the number reached 1,035 billion! 2012 was the first year in history that travel arrivals exceeded one billion.

2. The most visited countries

France is the country that received the most tourists in 2012, followed by the United States, China, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Russian Federation and finally, Malaysia. In 2011, Mexico was the only Latin American country on the list, but it did not make the cut this year.

3. More tourists are traveling to Asia and the Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth in tourism with a 7% increase in international tourist arrivals, followed by Africa (+6%) and the Americas (+5%).

4. Tourism in Central America is growing faster compared to the rest of the Western Hemisphere

International tourism in Central America saw an increase of 8%, followed by South America (+5%), then North America (Canada, the US and Mexico) (+4%) and the Caribbean (+4%).

5. Where do most tourists travel from?

Europe remains the largest source of outbound tourists in the world, representing 52% of global tourists. It is followed by Asia and the Pacific (23%), the Americas (17%), the Middle East (3%), and Africa (3%).

6. Air travel is preferred

In 2012, more than half of all travelers reached their destinations by air transport (52%), while the rest did so in overland transport (48%), either by road (40%), rail (2%) or waterway (6%).

7. Tourism is vital to economic prosperity

Income from international tourism reached US$1.075 billion worldwide in 2012. The industry represents 9% of the world GDP, 6% of world trade, and creates one of every 11 jobs.

8. Emerging country economies capture more revenue

Although Europe maintains the largest market share of international tourism receipts (43%), other regions are growing significantly. The Asia-Pacific region received 30% of revenues and the Americans obtained 20%. The Middle East and Africa got 3% and 4%, respectively.

9. Chinese tourists are the biggest spenders

China became the leader in international tourism spending, with US$102 billion spent in 2012.

For more interesting facts and a detailed breakdown by country, download the 2013 UNWTO Tourism Highlights report.

This entry was posted on August 27, 2013 at 6:59 PM and has received 903 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

An ecotourism vacation is perfect for families with kids. They'll be filled with awe and delight when they experience the larger-than-life flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest. Who knows, you might even inspire a life-long passion for nature, science, and adventure!

Greenloons has a great blog entry with more ways children can benefit from an ecotourism experience.

This photo was taken on a rainforest tour with Ecole Travel Costa Rica.

This entry was posted on August 23, 2013 at 1:54 PM and has received 367 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

There are 5 destinations in Mexico that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding ecological importance and natural beauty. Incidentally, these sites represent some of the best ecotourism destinations the country has to offer!

1. The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

Comprised of two lagoons on the Baja California Peninsula (Ojo de Liebre Lagoon and San Ignacio Lagoon), this coastal destination is spectacular for wildlife viewing as it is a significant wintering and breeding ground for marine mammals, most notably for gray whales in addition to harbor seals, California sea lions, northern elephant seals and blue whale. A large number of resident and migratory birds also nest in these wetlands.

Gray whales are among the friendliest and most active whale species, often slapping their tail fins, breaching, and surfacing near boats to the delight of whale watchers. To protect these magnificent creatures, the Mexican government has set strict regulations for whale watching vessels, so be sure to book your tour with a company that is up to the national sustainability standards (denoted by an orange flag with a whale image), like the excellent Casa Mexicana de la Ballena Gris and Ecoturismo Kuyimá.

2. Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies from all across North America migrate to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve to spend the winter and rest up for their northward journey in the spring. The beautiful and delicate butterflies congregate in clusters, weighing down tree branches and carpeting the forest floor. When they take flight, they beat their wings in a soft pitter-patter and fill the skies with brilliant orange, creating a truly exceptional spectacle of nature.

There are trails through the forest leading to the main concentrations of butterflies. Travelers can go on foot or on horseback with a local guide.

3. Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka'an is located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, not far from the ever-popular beaches of the Riviera Maya--making some of its more accessible parts convenient for day trips. Its name means "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky" in the Mayan language.

Sian Ka'an is the largest coastal protected area in Mexico and contains a variety of ecological habitats including coral reefs, tropical forest, mangroves, beaches, and cenotes (sinkholes). Local tour operators offer guided boats tours or kayak expeditions along the Mayan Canal, which winds through the clear waters of the lagoons and mangroves. There are also are 23 Mayan archeological sites in the reserve.

Sustainable hotels in the area include Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa ($76-100), Hotel Fairmont Mayakoba ($200+), and Hotel El Rey del Caribe ($51-75).

4. Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California

This site isn't one destination per se – it comprises 244 islands and coastal areas in the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez) and includes the previously mentioned El Vizcaino whale sanctuary. The area has been described by Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium" and the "Galápagos of North America."

Travelers can explore uninhabited islands, snorkel with colorful parrotfish and surgeonfish, spot huge cacti on the beach, and see a wide diversity of bird species, including the Costa's hummingbird. Sea lions, pelicans, great blue herons, and boobies bask in the sun on rocky island coastlines, while dolphins and whales frolic just offshore.

5. El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Just south of the Arizona border, this reserve is a fascinating desert landscape that couldn't be more different from the other destinations listed in this article. It was just declared a World Heritage site in July of 2013, making it the most recent Latin American addition to the list.

The reserve contains dormant volcanoes, red and black lava flows, gigantic volcanic craters, and huge dunes that can reach up to 650 feet high. The area is beautiful in the way that the surface of the moon is – dramatic, ancient, and seemingly desolate. But don't be fooled--this subtropical desert is home a large amount of biodiversity, including more than 540 species of vascular plants, 40 species of mammals, 200 birds, and 40 reptiles. As you might imagine, most visitors to this place are hardcore adventurers who are looking for something remote, wild, and unique.

Learn more about all of Mexico's World Heritage Sites on the UNESCO website.

This entry was posted on August 22, 2013 at 1:16 PM and has received 1106 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

We've been posting a lot about adventure tourism activities lately, so we thought we'd slow it down this Friday and get our relaxation on. Enjoying a Costa Rican sunset from the comfort of a woven hammock sounds like a perfect way to wind down a day of adventuring, exploring... or perhaps an entire day of relaxing on the beach? You are on vacation, after all...

This photo was taken on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica at the beautiful Laguna Lodge.

This entry was posted on August 16, 2013 at 11:03 PM and has received 280 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

The Amazon is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world, its very name synonymous with wilderness, nature, and adventure. It's no surprise that this natural wonder of the world attracts so many travelers each year--it just may be the ultimate ecotourism experience! Here are some fascinating facts about the incredible Amazon:

1. One in ten known animal species on Earth exists in Amazonia.

Though the Amazon covers a relatively small portion of the Earth's surface, it is extremely rich in biodiversity. Many of its species are so highly specialized that they live nowhere else in the world, and we are continually discovering new species that we didn't previously know existed. For example, since just 1990, seven new species of monkeys and 12 new species of fish have been identified!

The rainforest is also home to the smallest monkey in the world, the pygmy marmoset, and the largest eagle in the world, the harpy eagle. Some other interesting animals of the Amazon are capybaras, sloths, pink river dolphins, and emperor tamarins.

2. The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume, with a total flow greater than the top ten rivers worldwide combined.

One-fifth of the world's entire fresh water supply is found in the Amazon Basin. It contains more fish species than the entire Atlantic Ocean and the largest number of freshwater fish species on Earth, including more than 25 species of piranha, electric eels, and pirarucus, the largest freshwater fish.

3. The Amazon is both the "lungs" and the "thermostat" of our planet.

The Amazon rainforest's trees and other plants continuously recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen, producing 20% of the world's oxygen supply. It is also one of the world's primary carbon reservoirs. Through the sequestration and storage of carbon dioxide, the rainforest acts as the world's thermostat, regulating temperatures and global weather patterns.

4. The Amazon rainforest helps us fight cancer.

Of the 3,000 plants the U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified as useful in the treatment of cancer, 70% are found only in rainforests. Twenty-five percent of the active ingredients found in the cancer-fighting drugs available on the market today come from organisms found only in the rainforest. And only about 1% of rainforest plants have been examined for their medicinal properties.

5. There are more than 200 indigenous groups still living in the rainforest – some of which have never had contact with the outside world.

Many of these indigenous groups still live the centuries' old traditions of their ancestors, eschewing modern technology in favor of a life more in tune with nature. Some communities have opened their doors to visitors, starting lodges and tour companies to share their knowledge of the Amazon with travelers.

6. The Amazon rainforest represents more than half of the remaining rainforests in the entire world, and it's shrinking.

Once, rainforests covered 14% of the earth's land surface. Now, they cover 5-7%, and that area is decreasing rapidly. Scientists predict that if deforestation continues at the current rate, the last remaining rainforests on our planet could be consumed in less than 40 years!

Do your part to protect the rainforest by traveling sustainably. Many hotels participate in reforestation projects, and even get their guests involved with their sustainability efforts.

Are you ready for your Amazon adventure yet?

This entry was posted on August 14, 2013 at 6:32 PM and has received 1426 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Food is an essential part of the travel experience. Exploring a new country or city always opens a window to new ingredients, flavors, and dishes that feed the body, the soul, and even the mind, as the cuisine of a region also contains much of its history and the traditions of its people.

The dining experience in Latin America is a feast with tropical fruits and vegetables that are always fresh and juicy and often unfamiliar to visitors. In this photo from Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica, you can see a great banquet of locally sourced ingredients that are used to prepare the meals that are offered at this mountain hotel.

Another secret ingredient is the cooks themselves. Instead of using world-renowned chefs, Pacuare Lodge hires young people from nearby communities who are passionate about cooking and trains them to develop their culinary talent. The menu merges the secrets of the local cuisine with innovative recipes to delight guests with unique and very natural dishes.

This entry was posted on August 9, 2013 at 2:07 PM and has received 374 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

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Did you know that Latin America is home to more than 64 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, representing 75% of the world's 86 known species of cetaceans? For this reason, the region has become a favorite destination for tourists who want to see and interact with these amazing species.

Whale watching tourism generates about $300 million of revenue annually and benefits some 91 communities in 18 Latin American countries. As a result,many coastal communities have chosen this more environmentally-friendly economic alternative to fishing or irresponsible marine resource exploitation.

The number of companies offering sustainable whale watching excursions has grown significantly in recent years. Travelers can hire tour companies that respect environmental legislation and have certifications and verifications of their sustainability, and in some cases, special responsible marine tourism certificates. On SustainableTrip.org, you can find a list of these companies.

Today we invite you to experience five of the best destinations in Latin America for watching whales and other cetaceans:

1. Baja California, Mexico

The waters of Baja California and the Sea of Cortéz are the best place for spotting the famous gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). The peninsula has saltwater lagoons surrounded by desert where the gray whales come to mate and give birth in full view of spectators. The best season for whale spotting in Baja California is from January to April, but during the rest of the year you can also see blue whales and sperm whales.

2. Bahía Ballena, Costa Rica

The southern Pacific region of the country has important habitat for humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). These creatures migrate twice a year (from late December to late April and from July to September) to the warm waters of the bay to mate and calve. To protect this valuable site, the government of Costa Rica created Ballena Marine Park, a sanctuary for these and the other marine species such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks.

3. Praia do Rosa, Brazil

Brazil is the leading tourist destination in South America for marine mammal watching, receiving 167,107 observers each year. It also had record whale spotting in 2011, with 11,500 documented sightings. Praia do Rosa, a beautiful beach in the southern Atlantic part of the country, receives southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) every year from June to November. These animals delight tourists with magnificent jumps that reveal up to 75% of their bodies.

4. Chiloé-Corcovado, Chile

The Chiloé Island and the Corcovado Gulf area in southern Chile has the largest concentration of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the southern hemisphere. It is one of the richest coastal habitats in South America, which is why these giant whales come here to satisfy their formidable dietary requirements of two to eight tons of krill per day. Blue whales stay in Chile from December to April.

5. Valdés Peninsula, Argentina

This site is considered the mecca for whale watchers because it is where the largest breeding population of southern right whales congregates, with an estimated 4,000 individuals arriving every year. Other marine species are also common on the peninsula, such as orcas (killer whales), sea lions, elephant seals, and penguins. Thanks to its natural riches, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak sighting season is from July to December.

This entry was posted on August 7, 2013 at 3:24 PM and has received 1353 views. There are currently 2 comments. Print this entry.

Do you ever buy traditional handcrafts as souvenirs? A beautiful artisan-made souvenir, like this ceramic vase from Nicaragua, hand-carved and painted in the traditional pre-Columbian style, can be the best way to remember your trip for years to come.

However, heed this sustainable travel tip: make sure your purchase benefits the local artisans and their families, and not just middlemen who hike up the price and pay their suppliers a pittance. The best way to do this is to buy directly from the artisans themselves, or to buy from a nonprofit organization that funnels 100% of the proceeds to the artisans or the local community.

Photo by ORO Travel.

This entry was posted on August 1, 2013 at 7:58 PM and has received 723 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.