Tourism on a roll: UNWTO
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According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, this trend is likely to continue through the rest of the year, with year-end growth estimated at 5.7%, which would put international arrivals at 880-900 million.
2007 is set to be the fourth year of growth above the long-term average of 4.1%.
Emerging destinations in Asia and the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East have been the main growth drivers. Although well above their respective long-term averages, the more mature regions of Europe and the Americas showed a more moderate pace.
While regional trends may vary as new data becomes available, Asia and the Pacific is currently the star regional performer, recording an increase through August of 10%, ahead of the Middle East and Africa, both with +8%.
The continued growth in international tourism has been supported by a strong global economy. The report said the recent turbulence in the financial markets has not had any notable impact in tourism results so far.
“The preliminary 2007 results confirm the resilience of tourism demand regarding external factors, ranging from the turbulence in financial markets to security and health issues, rising fuel prices and increased taxation of air transport, inflationary risks and higher interest rates,” the report said.
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