International tourist arrivals grew by over 4 percent in 2011 and would continue to rise in 2012, the Madrid-based World Tourist Organization (UNWTO) said on Monday.

According to the latest UNWTO barometer for tourism, international tourist numbers rose to 980 million in 2011, a year marked by economic problems, political instability in North Africa and the Middle East and the Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The figure is 41 million more than 2010.

"International tourism hit new records in 2011 despite the challenging conditions," said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai at a press conference ahead of the FITUR tourism exhibition which will open in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

"For a sector directly responsible for 5 percent of the world's GDP, 6 percent of total exports and employing one out of every 12 people in advanced and emerging economies alike, these results are encouraging...at a time in which we urgently need levers to stimulate growth and job creation," he said.

Europe performed strongly last year despite the economic problems. It saw a 6-percent rise and accounted for 28 million of the 41 million increase.

Internaitonal arrivals in South America rose by 10 percent, the highest rate.

Emerging markets were the top spenders in international tourism, with China spending 38 percent more than a year earlier and Indian tourists increased their spending by 32 percent. Hong Kong saw receipts from tourism increase by 25 percent, while takings were 9 percent up in Spain.

Tourist numbers will continue to grow in 2012, although at a slightly lower rate of 3 to 4 percent, to reach the 1 billion mark, the UNWTO said.

The emerging economies are predicted to lead the growth in tourism through 2012. The UNWTO advised governments to make full use of information and communications technology to facilitate visa processing and border formalities.

"Travel facilitation is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be key in boosting demand. This area is of particular relevance in a moment in which governments are looking to stimulate economic growth but cannot make major use of fiscal incentives or public investment, " said Rifai.