UNWTO predicts an improved 2010

Posted: Fri 3 Sep, 2010 5:18 PM

International tourist arrivals are up seven per cent during the first half of 2010, with Asian countries leading the growth.

Sri Lanka has seen a 49% increase in visitors, Japan is at 36% and Vietnam is clipping at its heels at 35% growth, making these the countries with the sharpest incline, according to a recent release by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Thailand has also done well, with a 14% increase despite the impact of political unrest in April and May of this year. In the wake of a SARS outbreak, the tsunami, and the financial crisis, the Asian tourism industry has shown endurance and is rebounding with force as the second most visited region in the world.

However, Asia is not alone in the spotlight. Tourism around the globe has seen improvement in the first half of 2010. Emerging economies are showing strong growth with an eight per cent expansion compared to six per cent in advanced economies.  

For 2010, UNWTO is sticking to its initial forecast of international tourist arrivals growing by three-to-four per cent. Current growth rates and the improving global economic environment suggest that year-end results may be closer to four per cent, and may even exceed this figure.

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