Chinese tourists are now biggest source of travel spending

The Chinese have become the single biggest source of global tourism income after spending $102bn (£67bn; 79bn euros) while travelling abroad in 2012.

The total is 40% higher than the year before, and puts them well above the next two highest-spending countries, Germany and the US.

The figures come from the UN World Tourism Organisation.

It says higher incomes, looser travel restrictions and a strengthening currency are behind the surge.
Other emerging market countries saw their tourism numbers jump, too.

The Russian Federation saw spending rise by 32% to $43bn, putting it in fifth place in the ranking of international tourism spending, up from seventh.

UN WTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai said: "Emerging economies continue to lead growth in tourism demand.

Spending from traditional markets also grew, however, with Germany and the US growing by 6% each and the UK's travel expenditure rising by 4% to $52bn.