Despite the downward spiral of the US’s economy, tour operators predict travelers will return to Europe in growing numbers, says a new World Tourism Organization (UNWATO) European Travel Commission report.
“The report offers reassuring insights into the US outbound market, indicating that in spite of the downward revision of the national economic growth forecast, US travelers will gradually return to Europe in growing numbers,” the report says.
“Although the industry’s focus has turned towards emerging markets like the BRIC countries, we should not forget Europe’s most significant market, the USA," said Petra Hedorfer, ETC President.
Research also shows that “although US travelers to Europe tend to be more financially resilient than many, they are still keen on finding value for money at every turn.”
“With US$75 billion in expenditure on travel abroad in 2010, the USA is still the second most important source market in the world,” said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General.
“The US market occupies a unique position for European tourism. It combines great wealth with conspicuously strong cultural ties. These two factors mean that it will continue to be the principal engine for inbound demand into the foreseeable future,” said Tom Jenkins, ETOA Executive Director
By David Wilkening
