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European tourism performing better than expected
10 Nov 2011
The European tourism industry exceeded expectations by achieving a 6% year-on-year increase in visitors in the first eight months of 2011, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has revealed.
Northern, central and eastern Europe all posted increases of more than 7% in arrivals between January and August, while southern Europe (+8%) benefited from lower demand for destinations in the Middle East and north Africa.
Greece, Ireland and Portugal all experienced double-digit tourism growth during the period, providing some relief for their struggling economies.
UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said international travel is serving as a significant economic driver for many nations, despite ongoing financial challenges and volatility.
He added: 'UNWTO encourages European governments to support tourism and consider the sector as one that can back economic recovery given its capacity to distribute wealth and create jobs across the region.'
The figures also revealed that July 2011 saw the highest number of international tourist arrivals ever achieved in a single month, with some 118m inbound travellers recorded in countries across the globe.
Visitor numbers grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2011 to reach a total of 671m.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
Northern, central and eastern Europe all posted increases of more than 7% in arrivals between January and August, while southern Europe (+8%) benefited from lower demand for destinations in the Middle East and north Africa.
Greece, Ireland and Portugal all experienced double-digit tourism growth during the period, providing some relief for their struggling economies.
UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said international travel is serving as a significant economic driver for many nations, despite ongoing financial challenges and volatility.
He added: 'UNWTO encourages European governments to support tourism and consider the sector as one that can back economic recovery given its capacity to distribute wealth and create jobs across the region.'
The figures also revealed that July 2011 saw the highest number of international tourist arrivals ever achieved in a single month, with some 118m inbound travellers recorded in countries across the globe.
Visitor numbers grew by 4.5% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2011 to reach a total of 671m.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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