| Wednesday, January 31, 2007 |
| World tourism achieves another record in 2006, says UNWTO's Tourism Barometer |
The year 2006 was a year of yet another record for world tourism, with 842 million arrivals - higher than the expected growth rate of 4.5% - despite adverse factors such as the Israeli-Hizbollah war in Lebanon and the terrorist threats to trans-Atlantic air travel from London.
Latest figures released by the United Nations show that, despite risks facing global tourism 12 months ago - in particular terrorism, health scares due to avian flu and rising oil prices - 2006 was another year of good growth.
The upswing was backed up by one of the longest periods of sustained economic expansion.
UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli said that, three years ago, world tourism, which can play a key role in fighting poverty and become a primary tool for sustainable development, began a historically new phase of growth, as it broke the barrier of 800 million international arrivals. It has grown more than 20% since then.
The rise in international tourist arrivals is projected to be around 4% for 2007, much in tune with the predicted long-term annual growth rate of 4.1% through 2020, according to UNWTO's Tourism Barometer.
Growth is expected to be more solid in 2007 as businesses, consumers, governments and international institutions are now better able to anticipate shocks and respond more effectively to crises.
Africa outpaced all other regions - with almost twice the rate of global growth - registering an 8.1% rise in 2006 after an already strong 2005. Africa's upsurge was led by sub-Saharan Africa (up by 9.4%) and North Africa (up by 5.8%). Major destinations such as South Africa, Kenya and Morocco continued to do well.
Asia and the Pacific (up by 7.6%) was able to retain its exceptional growth level, both on account of the recovery of Thailand and the Maldives from the impact of the 2004 tsunami and outstanding performances from emerging destinations.
International tourist arrivals in South Asia rose by 10% - boosted by India, the destination responsible for half the arrivals to the sub-region.
Europe achieved the target (up by 4%). Germany took advantage of the Football World Cup 2006, while Italy made a strong comeback. Spain's solid results also contributed to the European success.
In the Middle East, international tourist arrivals went up by 4%, after the bumper years of 2004 and 2005. This happened notwithstanding the overall, volatile geopolitical situation, especially the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
Though the 2% overall growth in the Americas might seem disappointing, regional results varied considerably. The United States fared well, but not so Canada and Mexico.
However, results from Central America (up by 6.1%) and South America (up by 7.2%) show how Latin America is consolidating its gains in recent years. Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru achieved double-digit growth.
As a whole, the global economy is expected to keep the growth level of 2006.
However, increasing interest rates in some countries and regions could cut available income. A weaker US dollar might hit foreign travel demand by the Americans. On the contrary, stronger euro could stimulate international travel by the Europeans.Labels: Business |
| posted by a correspondent @ 9:52 AM |
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