Record year for European tourism
The numbers of travellers to Europe rose by 4% last year over 2004 despite terrorist attacks, floods, droughts and forest fires.
The rise, representing 18 million additional arrivals, gave Europe a record tourism year, according to the European Travel Commission.
Prospects for 2006 are likely to see the increase tempered to around 2%-3% due to widespread concerns over bird flu,the prospects of renewed terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
Turkey proved to be the big winner in 2005, with visitor numbers up 21%, while Lativa, Lithuania, Monaco and Greece also recording double digit growth.
ETC executive director Rob Franklin said: “Although France and Italy registered disappointing results for the second consecutive year, there has been no change in the top five European rankings of arrivals and receipts.
“France still leads in terms of arrivals, ahead of Spain, Italy, the UK and Germany, but it takes second place to Spain in the international receipts’ ranking.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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