International Tourism in Industrialised Countries

With regards to the international tourism, industrialised countries, notably in North America and in Western Europe, have several common characteristics: Together, they represent a very large percentage of international tourism: 70 per centThey are both main generating countries and main receptor countries of international tourismApart from exceptional cases (particularly Spain), international tourism is considered to be secondary to other sectors of economic activityThe international tourism flows are between countries with similar economic and social systems although at times with large cultural differences (Japan)International tourism is largely within the private sector, although national administrations play an important role. The influence of the public sector is diminishing. Usually, private and public sector actions are coordinated in flexible agreements or budgetary incentivesThe main industrialised countries are members of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) and, in Europe, most countries are also members of the European Union. Both these organisations play an important role in coordinating tourism policies, determining tourism objectives and implementing methods which are in line with general economic policies