World tourism breaks 800 million mark
World tourism broke through the barrier of 800 million in 2006, with 840 million international arrivals.
The figure was unveiled by Francesco Frangialli, secretary-general of UNWTO, who said: “This represents over 20% growth in the span of three years, equivalent to 150 million additional visitors.”
During his key note speech of the FITUR international tourism fair in Madrid, Frangialli explained: “This development was accomplished despite the volatile price for oil or the weakening US dollar, among other factors.
“As a social activity, tourism has changed and continues to transform itself under pressure from its environment.
“UNWTO stresses that it is increasingly apparent how tourism is falling victim – but also contributing – to climate change and the reduction of biodiversity. The path ahead is therefore marked by a different type of growth: more moderate, more solid and more responsible.”
Frangialli pointed out that “a heavier responsibility now lies on our shoulders, the responsibility to make this new phase of growth more economical in its use of energy and natural resources, more sustainable, and lastly, more in keeping with the spirit of solidarity”.
At FITUR, UNWTO confirmed that in November it will be holding its second major conference on “Tourism and Climate Change”, immediately prior to its General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia .
Valere Tjolle
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events