WTO figures confirm 2004 tourism rebound

Sandra Newman

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International arrivals have grown by 12% in the first eight months of the year, placing total numbers well above 2002 levels

Although the decline in travel in the early part of 2003, largely due to SARS and the Iraq war, makes 2004's travel growth figures look especially healthy, tourist arrivals are now well above 2002 levels and a further 4?5% increase in arrivals during 2005 is forecast by tourism industry ?think tank' The Pisa Forum.

WTO secretary general Dr Dawid de Villiers said: "We knew that prospects for 2004 were good but the strength of the rebound has surprised even us. We expect this year to end with double figures for the first time in 20 years."

Asia/Pacific has been the fastest growing tourism market this year with arrivals up by 37% between January and August. Peter de Jong, president and CEO of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) highlighted the importance of the resurgence of Japanese travel, rapid growth in Chinese outbound travel and low-cost airlines in boosting tourism in the region.

The Middle East, Africa and Americas markets were also among the strongest performers but in Europe, although arrivals grew by 6%, spend per head is down.