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'Strong world tourism growth' in 2007
29 June 2007

This year, the global tourist industry has experienced a higher level of growth than most predicted, with international tourist arrivals from January to April rising worldwide by more than 6% to 252m, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer revealed that the strongest growth was seen in the Asia and Pacific region (9%), followed by Africa (8%), the Middle East (8%) and Europe (6%). The slowest growth was seen in the Americas but an increase in arrivals of 4% was still double the growth level forecast for the region.

Francesco Frangialli, secretary general of UNWTO, explained that 'strong growth underscores the increasingly important relation between tourism, climate change and poverty alleviation'.

'Responsible and sustainable growth of the tourism sector will provide exports and jobs for the world economy generally and the poorest countries specifically, but this must be balanced with firm action to reduce the industry's carbon footprint,' he said.

The UNWTO has subscribed to a number of initiatives around the world in order to promote sustainable development of the tourist industry and a reduction in the negative effects it has on the global environment.

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