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UNWTO: Firm start to year for tourism
02 July 2008
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has released its first official figures covering the travel industry in 2008, reporting that the market saw 'firm' demand in the first four months of the year.
International tourism grew at a rate of 5% from January to March, which was one percentage point above the long-term trend.
The regions to see the strongest rates of growth were the Middle East; north-east and south Asia; and Central and South America.
North America also performed well, the UNWTO revealed, as a result of a strong inbound market, while the Caribbean also saw increasing demand.
The UNWTO acknowledged that there is a risk of the global economic situation denting consumer confidence and affecting the tourism industry but said that it maintained a 'cautiously positive' forecast for the year as a whole.
Secretary general Francesco Frangialli said: 'The extent of any tourism demand adjustment and its consequences for the sector will depend on how the economy evolves and consumers react, both of which are directly interrelated to oil and food prices.
'UNWTO is monitoring this evolving situation closely. Given current circumstances we are cautious, although we remain positive for the overall industry perspective in 2008.'
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International tourism grew at a rate of 5% from January to March, which was one percentage point above the long-term trend.
The regions to see the strongest rates of growth were the Middle East; north-east and south Asia; and Central and South America.
North America also performed well, the UNWTO revealed, as a result of a strong inbound market, while the Caribbean also saw increasing demand.
The UNWTO acknowledged that there is a risk of the global economic situation denting consumer confidence and affecting the tourism industry but said that it maintained a 'cautiously positive' forecast for the year as a whole.
Secretary general Francesco Frangialli said: 'The extent of any tourism demand adjustment and its consequences for the sector will depend on how the economy evolves and consumers react, both of which are directly interrelated to oil and food prices.
'UNWTO is monitoring this evolving situation closely. Given current circumstances we are cautious, although we remain positive for the overall industry perspective in 2008.'
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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