U.N.: Record number of travelers in 2012

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MACAO, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A record 467 million people traveled internationally in the first half of 2012 despite concerns about the global economy, a U.N. report showed.

The U.N. World Tourism Organization said the number of international tourists could reach 1 billion by the end of the year.

"Amid the current economic uncertainty, tourism is one of the few economic sectors in the world growing strongly, driving economic progress in developing and developed countries alike and, most importantly, creating much needed jobs," organization Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said this week at the opening of the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao.

The number of international tourists worldwide increased 5 percent from January through June 2012 compared with the same period of 2011.

Asia and the Pacific region led growth in the travel sector with an 8 percent increase in travelers this year. Europe saw a 4 percent increase and remains the most visited destination in the world, despite continuing economic volatility.

The most visited countries in 2011 were France, the United States and China.