Although 2015 had its fair share of international tragedy, tourism worldwide continued on an upward trend.
International tourism arrivals -- or the number of people visiting countries other than their own -- grew 4.4% to 1.18 billion last year, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
"The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world," UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a statement. "It is thus critical for countries to promote policies that foster the continued growth of tourism, including travel facilitation, human resources development and sustainability."
The growth was concentrated in a few regions: Europe had the most growth, and the UNWTO credits its 5% increase to 609 million arrivals to the weaker euro. Central, Easter and Northern Europe reported 6% growth, leading the continent.
Asia and the Pacific also reported 5% growth for a total of 277 million tourists, and the Americas' 5% growth brought its total to 191 million. The strong U.S. dollar may not have helped increase inbound tourism to the U.S., but it did boost the Caribbean and Central America with 7% growth.
The Middle East had less growth, but still increased 3% to 54 million.
Africa, however, had a 3% decrease according to the limited data available to UNWTO, for a total of 53 million over the year: International tourism to North Africa declined 8%.
The UNWTO reported that the outlook for 2016 remained "largely positive," despite the high profile incidents in Paris, Tunisia and Istanbul that could negatively impact international tourism. The organization is projecting 4% growth in tourism arrivals worldwide in 2016, with much of the growth again concentrated in Asia, the Americas and Europe.