Chinese tourists are now biggest source of travel spending 5 April 2013 Last updated at 11:35 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. The impressive growth of tourism expenditure from China and Russia reflects the entry into the tourism market of a growing middle class from these countries, which will surely continue to change the map of world tourism. 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.