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WTO “generally optimistic” about 2004 world tourism
Last year saw the “resilience of tourism” even in the most adverse circumstances and this year is likely to be “much brighter” according to the World Tourism Organisation. (WTO). The WTO says that while international tourism arrivals fell 1.2% in 2003 to 694 million, it should be remembered that this was an “exceptionally difficult year” with the Iraq conflict, SARS and a weak global economy. WTO Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli commented: “The travel industry was affected – what branch of the economy would not have been in such circumstances. But it did not collapse. The decline was limited, and in such a hostile environment this very fact confirms the resilience of tourism, based on the incompressible need for travel and leisure that characterises consumers in post-industrial societies.” Region by region, Europe experienced zero growth due to a weak economy and the strong Euro. In Asia and the Pacific there was a drop of 12 million arrivals (-9%) mainly due to SARS. The Americas saw a 1% drop in arrivals with North America the only country to record a loss (-5%) for three years in succession. The WTO attributed this to the weak economy and security concerns. In contrast the Caribbean (+8%) and South America (+12%) saw strong growth. The strongest performing regions were the Middle East and Africa, with estimated increases of 10% and 5% respectively. According to the WTO the forecast for the year is “generally optimistic” with the “pent up demand for travel..bound to express itself as soon as circumstances allow.” In similar findings, Maurice Fitzpatrick head of economics at financial services firm Numerica believes that 2004 should be a good year for the UK travel industry. See story.
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