Tourism braced for tough 2006
The World Tourism Organisation has reported a sharp upturn in travel despite an unprecedented number tragedies in 2005.
But it warned that tough times are on the horizon.
Preliminary results show tourist arrivals grew 5.5% last year and exceeded 800 million for the first time.
Although events such as the tsunami and terrorist attacks left their mark locally, it failed to detract global or even regional travel, the UNWTO said.
Secretary general Francesco Frangialli said: “The tourism sector has gained substantially in resilience over the past years. In spite of the turbulent environment we live in, destinations worldwide added some 100 million international arrivals between 2002 and 2005.”
But a report outlined three major “uncertainties” in 2006 which could impact the industry.
It said the ongoing terrorism threat, rising inflation and interest rates and bird flu could all take their toll.
The latter concern in particular posed “a serious threat for the tourism sector” the UNWTO said.
“Panic is always a bad advisor,” said Frangialli. “What we can do is monitor the situation closely and prepare for it, should it happen.”
In 2005, Africa led the way, the report said, with growth estimated at 10%. Kenya in particular fared well with arrivals up 26% between January and October.
Asia Pacific saw growth of 7%, with China climbing 13% and Japan 9%.
Is tsunami-hit nations, the Maldives reported a 39% decrease to November with Indonesia, which also suffered at the hands of terrorists, down 9%.
Sri Lanka fell only 0.4% although the result is attributed to the large number of expats who travelled to the country in the aftermath of the tsunami.
Europe recorded moderate growth of 4% – with the UK up 10%. Turkey was the biggest winner, welcoming 20% more visitors to break the 20 million mark.
Middle East arrivals grew 7%, US 4%, Caribbean 5%, Mexico 18% and South America 13%.
Report by Steve Jones
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