Numbers of international tourists top one billion. - The World Tourism Organisation has published its statistics for 2012 and it is good news for the sector, with international tourist numbers topping the one billion mark on 12 December 2012 - a new record. International tourism therefore continued to expand in 2012, despite uncertainties surrounding the global economy, making it one of the largest economic sectors globally. It accounts for 9% of global GDP, 1 out of every 12 jobs is in this sector and 45% of exports from less developed countries in the world. To celebrate this event and underline the fact that even modest efforts can have a positive effect if they are repeated over and over again, the UNWTO has launched a campaign on the theme of “One Billion Tourists: 1 Billion Opportunities”, which aims to show that tourists can support the economy of the region they are visiting and help it in its development while still respecting local culture, protecting its heritage and buying local products. (IL/transl.fl)