MADRID: Global tourism soared to a record performance in 2007, led by emerging markets, and the outlook remains good despite financial crises and high oil prices, the UN World Tourism Organization said Tuesday.
The year 2007 exceeded expectations for international tourism with arrivals reaching new record figures of 898 million, up 52 million, or 6.2 percent, over 2006, the Madrid-based body said.
It said the performance was based on the sustained economic growth of recent years and the sector s resilience to external factors.
The Middle East recorded the largest percentage increase, surging 13 percent to 46 million arrivals, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, with 10 percent, and Africa, eight percent, the UNWTO said in its annual report.
The Middle East continues to be one of the tourism success stories of the decade so far, despite ongoing tensions and threats, a UNWTO statement said.
The region is emerging as a strong destination with visitor numbers climbing much faster than the world total, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt among the leading destinations in growth in 2007.
The Asia-Pacific region saw tourist arrivals increase by 17 million to 185 million, on the basis of strong economic growth since 2000. Malaysia, up 20 percent, Cambodia (19 percent), Vietnam (16 percent) and Indonesia (15 percent) registered the biggest jumps.
Japan, where arrivals increased 14 percent, has also taken off as a destination, while India saw a 13 percent rise.
China put in an excellent performance as always, with an increase of around 10 percent, UNWTO Secretary General Francesco Frangialli told a news conference.
He said the number of Chinese traveling overseas was also up by around four million to 40 million, with this figure forecast to rise to 100 million by 2020.
Europe, the world s largest destination region, received around 19 million more tourists, with Turkey (18 percent), Greece (12 percent) and Portugal (10 percent) leading the way.
International tourist arrivals in Africa were up by three million, with Morocco recording a 14 percent increase. The 2010 football World Cup in South Africa has also raised awareness of the country as a tourist destination.
The Americas had around six million more tourists than in 2006, backed by a rebound in the US inbound market and the strong euro, which persuaded many Americans to visit South and Central America rather than Europe.
The UNWTO said developing economies, which have helped push up global GDP this decade, are sustaining the growth in tourism.
While mature markets remain the leading destinations in the world, the faster growth rate of new markets confirms the UNWTO s main message of tourism s potential for the developing world, said Frangialli.
The organization said that confidence also remains high for 2008, although this perception could change.
We are cautiously optimistic for 2008, which will see growth but probably not as high as in 2007, said Frangialli.
He said only in the event of a deep recession in the United States would global tourism see negative growth this year.
The organization said economies worldwide have shown increased volatility and confidence has weakened in some markets due to uncertainty about the subprime mortgage crises and economic prospects, in particular for the USA, alongside global imbalances and high oil prices.
International tourism might be affected by this global context. But based on past experience, the sector s proven resilience and given the current parameters, UNWTO does not expect that growth will come to a halt.
