World Tourism exceeds 840m passengers in 2006
The Secretary-General of UNWTO confirmed that last year world tourism broke through the barrier of 800 million international arrivals and surpassed the 840 million mark. “This represents over 20 percent 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, Francesco Frangialli said “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.”
Mr Frangialli concluded his inauguration speech by pointing 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 it will be holding this November its second major conference on “Tourism and Climate Change”, immediately prior to its General Assembly in Cartagena de Indias , Colombia .
Valere Tjolle
Valere
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
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026