International tourism up by 5,5% in 2005

THE United Nations World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has presented its preliminary results for international tourism in 2005. The number of international tourist arrivals recorded worldwide grew by 5,5% and exceeded 800m for the first time. Africa showed the strongest growth of all the continents, estimated at 10%. Mozambique showed a 37% growth, Kenya 26%, South Africa 11%, Seychelles 7% and Mauritius 6%. Growth in Asia and the Pacific averaged 7% with the strongest performer being Taiwan at 15% growth. In the Americas, growth reached 6%, with the strongest growth being reported by Venezuela at 23%. The Middle East’s growth for 2005 was estimated at 7% with strong estimates from Bahrain at 11%, Saudi Arabia at 21% and Palestine at 45%. Europe recorded a growth of 4% with Turkey being the strongest performer at 20% growth. The UNWTO predict that international arrivals will continue to grow in 2006 by between 4% and 5%. According to the organisation, factors that may affect this predication are terrorism, inflation and bird flu. (Sue Lewitton) suel@nowmedia.co.za