Fear of terrorism, tsunami, rising oil prices, violence in Iraq and Middle East conflict, all these happenings have generated anxiety in the minds of international travelers but amidst all these apprehensions year 2006 has brought record break revenue for world tourism industry. Around 842 million tourists visited in the different parts of the globe during this bygone year.
Data released by Madrid-based World Tourism Organization confirms that there had been an increase of 4.5 percent in the number of travelers in the year of 2006, which is 5.5 percent high as against the year 2005.
The organization said in its report:
Although no destination is immune to terrorist attacks, sub-Saharan Africa in particular is seen as being a long way from the center of zones of tension and unrest.
With the spiral increase of 8.1 percent in 2006, Africa gained the momentum in terms of international arrivals. Country’s rich wild life is considered more secure from terrorism prospective. As a result, Africa has emerged as the darling of millions of tourists.
In this series, Asia and pacific have experienced 7.6 percent increase followed by Europe and the Middle East both posted growth rates of 4 percent.
However, in this bygone year too America remained the world’s top tourism destination as far as revenue from tourism is concerned but unfortunately, it has posted merely 2 percent nominal growth. With the stringent visa and passport requirements for foreign visitors, the escalation of travelers is expected low likewise the year 2006.
The report fears that this year proposed aviation emissions taxes on airlines, mounting interest rates in some countries, and the impact on household debt, could halt the growth of world tourism industry.
Via: news.aol
