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Tourism bounces back

November 02, 2004 |

Worldwide tourism enjoyed double digit growth almost across the board from January to August, according to the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization.

Tourism, headed for the canvas in 2003 owing to SARS and the invasion of Iraq, is back on its feet and packing a punch after a stunning comeback this year according to the latest official figures.

The lucrative sector enjoyed double digit growth almost across the board from January to August, according to the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization (WTO), which released its barometer report last week in Monaco.

“All regions saw a surge in international arrivals,” said the report, which was unveiled by WTO Secretary-general Francesco Frangialli.

Asia and the Pacific led the way with 37% volume growth while North America ended three negative years to record a 12%, in line with the global average.

“Tourism has recovered strongly. The fear factor has clearly faded away,” said Frangialli, who saluted the “continuing vigor of emerging markets such as China” as well as renewed strength in more established markets.

Yet globalization, almost by definition, strongly affects tourism, and while the WTO was exuding optimism others saw rainclouds approaching, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) which forecast crippling losses for airlines.

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