Report finds world tourist growth should continue
World tourist destinations that have been slow to recover from the economic downturn can expect to see more demand towards the end of the year, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer
International tourist arrivals grew by 4.5 percent in the first four months of 2011, According to the latest issue of the UNWTO report.
“Global tourism continues to consolidate the recovery of 2010 despite the impact of recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as the tragic events in Japan, which are temporarily affecting travel flows to these regions,” said UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.
In the Americas, international tourist arrivals increased by 5 percent, driven by the strong results of South America, which contrasted with the below average growth of North and Central American destinations, according to the Barometer.
The Barometer found growth in all regions with the exception of the Middle East.
Some sub-regions achieved double-digit growth: South America (+17 percent), South Asia (+14 percent), and Southeast Asia (+10 percent).
Between January and April 2011, destinations worldwide recorded 268 million international tourist arrivals, some 12 million more compared to the 256 million registered in the same period in 2010.
April was the strongest month with an estimated increase of 6 percent.
Europe exceeded expectations (+6 percent) and posted the highest growth in the first four months of 2011.
“”As the peak tourist season gets underway in the northern hemisphere, short-term prospects remain positive,” the barometer predicts.
UNWTO maintains its forecast for international tourist arrivals in 2011 at between 4 percent and 5 percent, slightly above the long-term average and in line with previous assessments. The developments in the Middle East, North Africa, and Japan are not expected to significantly alter the global forecast.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026