ABU DHABI: The UAE has topped the Middle East region for international tourism receipts in 2012, according to data released by the UN's World Tourism Organisation.
The UAE ranked 31st on global list with receipts of about $10bn, just ahead of Saudi Arabia which was placed 35th, with revenues of $7.4bn, reported the UAE news agency WAM.
Middle East tourism receipts totalled $46.7bn last year, the Arabian Business quoting UNWTO report said, adding that international arrivals were down to 52 million, from 54.9m in the previous year.
The global list for international tourism receipts was topped by the US, Spain, France, China and Italy.
According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourism receipts hit a new record in 2012, reaching an estimated $1,075bn worldwide, up four percent in real terms from $1,042bn in 2011. (QNA)
