Emirates Airline will become the first carrier in the Gulf to arrange tourist visas for passengers online in a move that could boost visitor numbers.
The programme could attract more tourists from India, Egypt and eight other countries who are not automatically granted visas on arrival.
The visas for 96 hours and 30 days, offered through the airline’s website as part of a ticket reservation, were announced a day before the airline’s sister carrier, flydubai, begins a new programme to offer tourist visas by SMS and e-mail, in partnership with the immigration authorities.
The two moves will contribute to the Dubai Government’s strategy to boost the tourism sector by encouraging more visitors to stop over in the emirate for several days between flights, and pulling in tourists from a wider number of countries.
The new system would send the message that visiting Dubai was easier than people think, said Manu Mehrotra, the general manager of Al Tayer Travel.
“Everything to make it more convenient would certainly go a long way,” Mr Mehrotra said. “The numbers just need to go up as much as possible to fill the hotels once again.”
Visitors from 33 countries that include the US, Britain and Japan receive their visas on arrival in the UAE and do not need to pay a fee.
The Emirates Airline programme allows visitors from 10 additional countries to pay the fee and get a visa online within four days, without having to visit an office or embassy.
The new programme “requires none of the running around often associated with submitting forms, securing approvals and collecting visas”, said Richard Vaughan, the airline’s senior vice president for commercial operations worldwide.
The introduction of the programme this month “will facilitate travel for scores of tourists visiting the emirate during the Dubai Summer Surprises”, Mr Vaughan said.
He was referring to a two-month festival starting next month that involves live performances and other events, plus discounts at shopping malls and hotels to bring more visitors to the emirate in the hottest months.
Flydubai, the budget carrier owned by the Dubai Government, will tomorrow start a three-month trial of a similar system that directs passengers to fill out a form on the website of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, then present a printed bar code or an SMS message on arrival in Dubai to retrieve their visa.
The programme could also save tourists money. Emirates said it would charge Dh161.50 (US$43.97) for a 96-hour visa and less than Dh210 for the 30-day visa, and a Dh64 service fee.
Mr Mehrotra’s company arranges visas for visitors and normally charges between Dh300 and Dh350 for the 30-day visa, he said, with the extra margin needed to cover “overhead costs”.
Providing help with visas was not a main part of the company’s business but other companies “that are in the business of visas” can charge far more, he said.
But the new programme would not address the question of security deposits for visas that some experts have said was a major hurdle to further growth in tourism from developing countries.
Tourists from countries bound by visa restrictions – all but the most developed countries – are often asked to put down a deposit, which is typically between Dh5,000 and Dh9,000, to secure a tourist visa through a hotel or travel agency in Dubai.
The deposit is not mandatory by law but the hotel or tourist agency, which acts as the visitor’s sponsor, uses it as a form of protection in case the visitor overstays his visa. Sponsors must pay at least Dh5,000 fees if a visitor overstays.
Emirates did not respond to a request for comment on the deposits it charges visa applicants.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100517/BUSINESS/705179894/1005
cstanton@thenational.ae
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May 19, 2010
Terror no deterrent for tourists during Games: Selja
Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja on Monday said security threats are unlikely to deter foreign or domestic tourists from visiting New Delhi during the Commonwealth Games in October.
Claiming that not just India but many other countries face terror threat, she said: "We are expecting both foreign and domestic tourists to come to New Delhi during the Games. We do not think any terror threat can deter them from arriving."
"India is equipped to tackle any emergency situation. We will make world-class security arrangements during the Games and there is no need to worry," she said.
"Preparations for the Games are in full swing. We are expecting to offer world-class facilities to players, officials and spectators coming here," said Selja said.
The minister said the government is also providing formal training to service providers like taxi drivers and restaurant workers in New Delhi who are expected to come in direct contact with thousands of tourists.
“We are training our manpower to deal with the tourists efficiently. Taxi drivers, autorickshaw drivers, other service providers and workers of some restaurants and hotels are being given training in soft skills.
"We are teaching them some frequently used English words and how to express everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/punjab/Terror-no-deterrent-for-tourists-during-Games/Article1-544847.aspx
Claiming that not just India but many other countries face terror threat, she said: "We are expecting both foreign and domestic tourists to come to New Delhi during the Games. We do not think any terror threat can deter them from arriving."
"India is equipped to tackle any emergency situation. We will make world-class security arrangements during the Games and there is no need to worry," she said.
"Preparations for the Games are in full swing. We are expecting to offer world-class facilities to players, officials and spectators coming here," said Selja said.
The minister said the government is also providing formal training to service providers like taxi drivers and restaurant workers in New Delhi who are expected to come in direct contact with thousands of tourists.
“We are training our manpower to deal with the tourists efficiently. Taxi drivers, autorickshaw drivers, other service providers and workers of some restaurants and hotels are being given training in soft skills.
"We are teaching them some frequently used English words and how to express everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/punjab/Terror-no-deterrent-for-tourists-during-Games/Article1-544847.aspx
Coming: Air safaris in Jammu & Kashmir to attract tourists
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) plans to take tourism to new heights. It will soon launch air safaris to enable tourists to visit the unexplored virgin valleys in far-flung areas of Kashmir.
Through air safaris, it also seeks to attract high-end visitors to important tourist destinations in the state.
“Eight destinations have been short-listed [for air safaris],” MoS for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said.
Tourists going on air safaris will be able to explore Lolab-Bungus, Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, Zanskar in Ladakh and scenic spots in Jammu’s Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Situated 10,000-ft above sea-level, Bungus is a linear elliptical bowl in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. It comprises of 100 lush green meadows surrounded by lofty mountains. The exotic flora and fauna make Bungus an attractive tourist destination for nature lovers.
Gurez Valley is a fertile, 50-mile stretch in the Himalayas by Kishenganga river. It lies below the 8,000-ft high-altitude LoC that divides Indian and Pakistani sectors of Kashmir. Despite its lofty mountains, lush green meadows, exotic wildlife and rich Dardi-Sheena cultural moorings, the valley remained unexplored due to years of militancy.
“We will establish a well-coordinated network to take tourists to the spots. We have also floated tenders for air-service companies to bid. J&K Tourist Development Corporation will be the nodal agency to coordinate the air safaris,” Wani said.
The J&K government also plans to build helipads at these spots. “Tents will be put up for tourists who want to spend more time there,” Wani said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_coming-air-safaris-in-jammu-and-kashmir-to-attract-tourists_1383916
Through air safaris, it also seeks to attract high-end visitors to important tourist destinations in the state.
“Eight destinations have been short-listed [for air safaris],” MoS for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said.
Tourists going on air safaris will be able to explore Lolab-Bungus, Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, Zanskar in Ladakh and scenic spots in Jammu’s Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Situated 10,000-ft above sea-level, Bungus is a linear elliptical bowl in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. It comprises of 100 lush green meadows surrounded by lofty mountains. The exotic flora and fauna make Bungus an attractive tourist destination for nature lovers.
Gurez Valley is a fertile, 50-mile stretch in the Himalayas by Kishenganga river. It lies below the 8,000-ft high-altitude LoC that divides Indian and Pakistani sectors of Kashmir. Despite its lofty mountains, lush green meadows, exotic wildlife and rich Dardi-Sheena cultural moorings, the valley remained unexplored due to years of militancy.
“We will establish a well-coordinated network to take tourists to the spots. We have also floated tenders for air-service companies to bid. J&K Tourist Development Corporation will be the nodal agency to coordinate the air safaris,” Wani said.
The J&K government also plans to build helipads at these spots. “Tents will be put up for tourists who want to spend more time there,” Wani said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_coming-air-safaris-in-jammu-and-kashmir-to-attract-tourists_1383916
May 17, 2010
India becoming major medical tourism destination in Asia
NEW YORK: India is surging ahead in the race for medical tourism leaving behind countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore which were earlier considered preferred destinations of foreign patients.
India holds a strong appeal for Americans as the exploding costs of medical treatment in the US are forcing them to venture to exotic places to get heart surgery, cancer therapy, and dentistry.
Many Indian hospitals have been quietly negotiating with US companies to send their employees to India for medical treatment at "rock-bottom rates", as one brochure of a Bangalore-based hospital in circulation in the New York/New Jersey region professes.
India companies are acquiring firms in Singapore and Thailand which enables them to take advantage of a large trans-Asia presence that results in boosting business, besides strengthening infrastructure and treatment possibilities for foreign patients.
Many foreign patients who arrive in India have already acquired some exposure to and confidence in Indian medical experts and nurses who maintain a ubiquitous presence in hospitals in the USA, Canada, UK or even Australia.
Studies have forecasted that India's medical tourism market will be worth some USD 2 billion a year by 2012 compelling the Indian Government to introduce a new category of medical visas for foreigners to facilitate their stay in India.
The visa issued to the patient and an accompanying caretaker, could be extended up to three years.
Indian hospitals in Mumbai and Bangalore - and also in other cities - report of a steady rise in the number of patients from the United States.
"Even with airfare, the cost of going to India for surgery can be markedly cheaper, and the quality of services is often better than that found in the United States and UK.
Indeed, many patients are pleased at the prospect of combining their tummy tucks with a trip to the Taj Mahal," YaleGlobal, a flagship publication of the Yale
Center for the Study of Globalisation contended.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/India-becoming-major-medical-tourism-destination-in-Asia/articleshow/5940630.cms
India holds a strong appeal for Americans as the exploding costs of medical treatment in the US are forcing them to venture to exotic places to get heart surgery, cancer therapy, and dentistry.
Many Indian hospitals have been quietly negotiating with US companies to send their employees to India for medical treatment at "rock-bottom rates", as one brochure of a Bangalore-based hospital in circulation in the New York/New Jersey region professes.
India companies are acquiring firms in Singapore and Thailand which enables them to take advantage of a large trans-Asia presence that results in boosting business, besides strengthening infrastructure and treatment possibilities for foreign patients.
Many foreign patients who arrive in India have already acquired some exposure to and confidence in Indian medical experts and nurses who maintain a ubiquitous presence in hospitals in the USA, Canada, UK or even Australia.
Studies have forecasted that India's medical tourism market will be worth some USD 2 billion a year by 2012 compelling the Indian Government to introduce a new category of medical visas for foreigners to facilitate their stay in India.
The visa issued to the patient and an accompanying caretaker, could be extended up to three years.
Indian hospitals in Mumbai and Bangalore - and also in other cities - report of a steady rise in the number of patients from the United States.
"Even with airfare, the cost of going to India for surgery can be markedly cheaper, and the quality of services is often better than that found in the United States and UK.
Indeed, many patients are pleased at the prospect of combining their tummy tucks with a trip to the Taj Mahal," YaleGlobal, a flagship publication of the Yale
Center for the Study of Globalisation contended.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/India-becoming-major-medical-tourism-destination-in-Asia/articleshow/5940630.cms
Munnar Hill Station’ voted as Asia’s second Best Tourist Destination
The beautiful hill station Munnar is a crown for Kerala Tourism. It has been recently ranked Asia’s second best travel destinations by renowned travel guide, TripAdvisor.
Online PR News – 14-May-2010 – Lagging behind only to Japan’s Tokyo, the serene hill station http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ of Munnar has been voted as the second-best travel destination in the world, for the year 2010, by the Massachusetts-based research website & travel guide, TripAdvisor. This picturesque hill station of Kerala is followed by Siem Reap of Cambodia and Kyoto & Naha of Japan rounding off the top five spot in the Traveler’s Choice Destination awards.
Surrounding by sprawling tea plantations Munnar ( http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/south-india-hill-stations/munnar.html ) is situated between three mountains; Nallathanni, Kundala and Muthipuzza. Its mountains, tea gardens, pristine valleys and cold climate have together made it a favorite Indian and foreign tourist destination.
Speaking on this occasion the Kerala Tourism secretary Dr Venu said, “Millions of travelers rely on the TripAdvisor for travel guidance. We are thrilled and at the same time quiet humbled that Munnar has been voted by travelers this year. This award is particularly meaningful to us since as they are decided by the travelers themselves.”
While Munnar has been a favorite amongst both Indian and international tourists, the hill station has recently started attracting adventure travelers as well. The region’s geographical topography makes it an ideal destination for trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. Apart from this, the Eravikulam National Park located in ‘God’s Own Country’ is home to an variety of rare & endangered wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), the ruddy mongoose and over 120 species of bird.
For Kerala/Munnar Hill Stations Tour & Travel Services Call on 91-9212777223/24/25 or visit http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ http://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/index.html
http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/35917-1273903302-munnar-hill-station-voted-as-asias-second-best-tourist-destination.html
Online PR News – 14-May-2010 – Lagging behind only to Japan’s Tokyo, the serene hill station http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ of Munnar has been voted as the second-best travel destination in the world, for the year 2010, by the Massachusetts-based research website & travel guide, TripAdvisor. This picturesque hill station of Kerala is followed by Siem Reap of Cambodia and Kyoto & Naha of Japan rounding off the top five spot in the Traveler’s Choice Destination awards.
Surrounding by sprawling tea plantations Munnar ( http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/south-india-hill-stations/munnar.html ) is situated between three mountains; Nallathanni, Kundala and Muthipuzza. Its mountains, tea gardens, pristine valleys and cold climate have together made it a favorite Indian and foreign tourist destination.
Speaking on this occasion the Kerala Tourism secretary Dr Venu said, “Millions of travelers rely on the TripAdvisor for travel guidance. We are thrilled and at the same time quiet humbled that Munnar has been voted by travelers this year. This award is particularly meaningful to us since as they are decided by the travelers themselves.”
While Munnar has been a favorite amongst both Indian and international tourists, the hill station has recently started attracting adventure travelers as well. The region’s geographical topography makes it an ideal destination for trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. Apart from this, the Eravikulam National Park located in ‘God’s Own Country’ is home to an variety of rare & endangered wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), the ruddy mongoose and over 120 species of bird.
For Kerala/Munnar Hill Stations Tour & Travel Services Call on 91-9212777223/24/25 or visit http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ http://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/index.html
http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/35917-1273903302-munnar-hill-station-voted-as-asias-second-best-tourist-destination.html
Two airports likely for Goa
Tourists who come from across the world to laze around in the balmy beaches of Goa will now have another attraction — it will have not one but two airports. The cabinet will soon take up a proposal to let the existing Indian Navy airport to operate even after the new airport in north Goa comes up.
“We are in favour of operating the existing as well as the proposed airport. The state government and the Navy, which owns the existing airport, are also in favour of operating both the airports,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official who did not want to be identified.
A new airport is being built at Mopa near the Maharashtra border on Goa’s northern tip with private participation. The existing airport, owned by the Navy and operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), is situated at Dabolim in south Goa. At present, the Goa airport handles 2.7 million passengers annually.
This will be first instance when an old airport will continue to operate even after a new airport has been built. The old airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad, for instance, were closed because they could have impacted the earnings of the new airports.
In Goa, there was resistance to shifting the commercial airport to the north as it would have impacted tourism in the south. Hence, the need was felt to keep both the airports going.
A new airport was needed in Goa as the present airport cannot be upgraded to handle the higher traffic Goa is expected to attract in the near future. Also, there is no scope for construction of a cargo area.
The government plans to build 35 new airports across the country. New airports in Sikkim and Karnataka are scheduled to come up in the next two years. Airports at Navi Mumbai and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, one each in Kerala, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (for cargo) have been accorded in-principle approval.
Further, proposals for setting up of three new airports in Maharashtra, one each in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Nagaland and Rajasthan have been received, apart from the proposal to set up a cargo airport in Haryana.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/two-airports-likely-for-goa/395079/
“We are in favour of operating the existing as well as the proposed airport. The state government and the Navy, which owns the existing airport, are also in favour of operating both the airports,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official who did not want to be identified.
A new airport is being built at Mopa near the Maharashtra border on Goa’s northern tip with private participation. The existing airport, owned by the Navy and operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), is situated at Dabolim in south Goa. At present, the Goa airport handles 2.7 million passengers annually.
This will be first instance when an old airport will continue to operate even after a new airport has been built. The old airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad, for instance, were closed because they could have impacted the earnings of the new airports.
In Goa, there was resistance to shifting the commercial airport to the north as it would have impacted tourism in the south. Hence, the need was felt to keep both the airports going.
A new airport was needed in Goa as the present airport cannot be upgraded to handle the higher traffic Goa is expected to attract in the near future. Also, there is no scope for construction of a cargo area.
The government plans to build 35 new airports across the country. New airports in Sikkim and Karnataka are scheduled to come up in the next two years. Airports at Navi Mumbai and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, one each in Kerala, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (for cargo) have been accorded in-principle approval.
Further, proposals for setting up of three new airports in Maharashtra, one each in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Nagaland and Rajasthan have been received, apart from the proposal to set up a cargo airport in Haryana.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/two-airports-likely-for-goa/395079/
May 05, 2010
'Tourists help keep poachers away from tiger reserves'
NEW DELHI: Opposing the ban on tourists from core regions of tiger reserves proposed by the environment ministry, Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) — a campaign spearheaded by international and national travel operators — has said that wildlife tourism, on the contrary, was saving forests and tigers.
The organization added that tourism ensured better security for tigers, and was the best anti-poaching mechanism even as it made forest personnel "highly and often uncomfortably accountable".
TOFT chairman Julian Mathew said the agency would take up the issue with the ministries of tourism and environment to ensure better implementation of rules and regulations, adding that a ban on wildlife tourism was not the answer.
According to recent statistics, tiger numbers have come down from an estimated 3,642 in 2002 to 1,411 in February 2008. Experts say that actual numbers could be even lower. A recent tourism ministry study had shown that nearly 70% of resorts outside Corbett National Park were venues for weddings and parties rather than eco-tourism.
In a statement, TOFT pointed out that despite poor tourism practises being followed in the national park, it continued to be the "most visited" park in India and still had the highest number of tigers. It added that Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve had the heaviest density of tigers in its main Tala tourism zone and received 45,000 visits a year.
"When sub-adults leave this tourist zone seeking their own ranges in buffer zone forests, they get lost, poached or poisoned. Ranthambhore, with its 450 sq km and estimated 35-38 tigers, finds 22-23 (two-thirds) tigers in ranges that fall within the much smaller 130 sq km of the tourism zone. These facts suggest that the best tiger security and habitat exist in tourism zones, and tigers and prey sense it," the statement said.
Highlighting the fact that good tourism practises not only provide a means of legitimate livelihood to people living in and around tiger reserves, TOFT said if it were not for tourism bringing economic value to the forest area, it would be sacrificed for mining, farming or industry.
Emphasizing that the alternative was to ensure implementation of rules and regulations, Mathew gave the instance of Madhya Pradesh's ecosensitive zone regulations that have been stuck in the Supreme Court since 2006. "Tiger tourism is the best anti-poaching unit, operating vehicles watching for eight hours a day, deflecting poachers, loggers and grazers from being there," Mathew said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Tourists-help-keep-poachers-away-from-tiger-reserves/articleshow/5891317.cms
The organization added that tourism ensured better security for tigers, and was the best anti-poaching mechanism even as it made forest personnel "highly and often uncomfortably accountable".
TOFT chairman Julian Mathew said the agency would take up the issue with the ministries of tourism and environment to ensure better implementation of rules and regulations, adding that a ban on wildlife tourism was not the answer.
According to recent statistics, tiger numbers have come down from an estimated 3,642 in 2002 to 1,411 in February 2008. Experts say that actual numbers could be even lower. A recent tourism ministry study had shown that nearly 70% of resorts outside Corbett National Park were venues for weddings and parties rather than eco-tourism.
In a statement, TOFT pointed out that despite poor tourism practises being followed in the national park, it continued to be the "most visited" park in India and still had the highest number of tigers. It added that Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve had the heaviest density of tigers in its main Tala tourism zone and received 45,000 visits a year.
"When sub-adults leave this tourist zone seeking their own ranges in buffer zone forests, they get lost, poached or poisoned. Ranthambhore, with its 450 sq km and estimated 35-38 tigers, finds 22-23 (two-thirds) tigers in ranges that fall within the much smaller 130 sq km of the tourism zone. These facts suggest that the best tiger security and habitat exist in tourism zones, and tigers and prey sense it," the statement said.
Highlighting the fact that good tourism practises not only provide a means of legitimate livelihood to people living in and around tiger reserves, TOFT said if it were not for tourism bringing economic value to the forest area, it would be sacrificed for mining, farming or industry.
Emphasizing that the alternative was to ensure implementation of rules and regulations, Mathew gave the instance of Madhya Pradesh's ecosensitive zone regulations that have been stuck in the Supreme Court since 2006. "Tiger tourism is the best anti-poaching unit, operating vehicles watching for eight hours a day, deflecting poachers, loggers and grazers from being there," Mathew said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Tourists-help-keep-poachers-away-from-tiger-reserves/articleshow/5891317.cms
May 03, 2010
International Tourism: First Results of 2010 confirm Upward Trend
nternational tourism is steadily gaining momentum following an extremely challenging 2009.
International tourist arrivals grew by 7% in the first two months of 2010 worldwide, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Growth was particularly strong in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by 3% to 4% in 2010.
2010 - Emerging destinations lead recovery
According to the April Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals are estimated to have increased by 7% in the first two months of 2010. This follows the upturn already registered in the last quarter of 2009 when arrivals grew by 2% after 14 consecutive months of negative results. Though data for March is still limited, countries with data already reported confirm that this positive trend is set to continue.
Growth was positive in all world regions during the first two months of 2010 led by Asia and the Pacific (+10%) and Africa (+7%). Information for the three countries of the Middle East that have reported results so far also point to a strong rebound in the region, though, compared to very subdued first months of 2009. The pace of growth was slower in Europe (+3%) and in the Americas (+3%), the two regions hardest hit by the global crisis and where economic recovery is proving to be comparatively weaker.
A large number of countries around the world reported positive results in the first months of 2010. Of the 77 destinations reporting data for this period, 60 showed positive figures, of which 24 posted double-digit growth including Estonia, Israel, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), Japan, Taiwan (pr. of China), Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Guam, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles, Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Though there is a clear improvement on the negative results of 2009, this growth must be considered with caution as it compares with a particularly weak period of 2009 - the worst months of the global economic crisis. On the whole, international tourist arrivals totalled 119 million during the first two months of 2010, up 7% on 2009 but still 2% below the value of the record year of 2008.
2010 forecast not affected by recent air traffic disruption
UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by 3% to 4% in 2010.
This outlook has not been altered by the recent air traffic disruption in European airspace. Although impacting very seriously on travellers, specific destinations and companies, in particular airlines, airports and tour operators, UNWTO estimates that the closure of a major part of European airspace between 15 and 20 April might have caused a loss of less than half a per cent of the yearly volume of international tourist arrivals in Europe and 0.3% of the total count for the world.
Nevertheless, while the positive trend registered in the first months of 2010 reflects improved economic conditions, UNWTO warns that many challenges remain.
"Although economic results have improved significantly in recent months with a positive impact on tourism demand we must remain cautious as many factors can still jeopardize the pace of recovery", said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai today in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the opening of the UNWTO Seminar on Tourism Governance In Times Of Crisis: Conjunctural and Structural Policies. "The economic recovery is being driven mainly by emerging economies while growth is still sluggish in most advanced ones. At the same time, increasing unemployment levels in major tourism source markets is a cause of concern", he added.
2009 - International tourism receipts down by 6% to US$ 852 billion
In 2009, international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 852 billion worldwide (€ 611 billion), down from US$ 942 billion (€ 641 billion) in the previous year. In real terms (adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations and inflation) international tourism receipts decreased by 6% as compared to a 4% decline in arrivals, showing the close relation between both indicators. Experience suggests that in times of crisis revenues tend to be more affected than arrivals as was the case for the year 2009.
2009 - China ranks fourth in tourism expenditure abroad
The top 10 ranking by international tourism spenders shows one noticeable change in 2009 with China overtaking France to take fourth position in the ranking of international tourism spenders. Chinese expenditure on international tourism has been the fastest to grow in the last decade, up from seventh position only in 2005. Even during last year's crisis, tourism expenditure by China increased by 21%.
There were no major changes in the rankings of the first ten destinations by international tourist arrivals and receipts in 2009. France, the USA and Spain continue to be leaders in both arrivals and receipts, albeit in a different order. France continues to lead the ranking of the world's major tourism destinations in terms of arrivals and ranks third in receipts. The USA ranks first in receipts and second in arrivals. Spain maintains its position as the second biggest earner worldwide and the first in Europe, and ranks third in arrivals. In 2009, both Turkey and Germany climbed one position in the ranking of arrivals to seventh and eighth places, respectively. In arrivals, Malaysiaentered the top ten in 2009 at ninth place.
International tourist arrivals grew by 7% in the first two months of 2010 worldwide, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Growth was particularly strong in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by 3% to 4% in 2010.
2010 - Emerging destinations lead recovery
According to the April Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals are estimated to have increased by 7% in the first two months of 2010. This follows the upturn already registered in the last quarter of 2009 when arrivals grew by 2% after 14 consecutive months of negative results. Though data for March is still limited, countries with data already reported confirm that this positive trend is set to continue.
Growth was positive in all world regions during the first two months of 2010 led by Asia and the Pacific (+10%) and Africa (+7%). Information for the three countries of the Middle East that have reported results so far also point to a strong rebound in the region, though, compared to very subdued first months of 2009. The pace of growth was slower in Europe (+3%) and in the Americas (+3%), the two regions hardest hit by the global crisis and where economic recovery is proving to be comparatively weaker.
A large number of countries around the world reported positive results in the first months of 2010. Of the 77 destinations reporting data for this period, 60 showed positive figures, of which 24 posted double-digit growth including Estonia, Israel, Hong Kong (China), Macao (China), Japan, Taiwan (pr. of China), Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Guam, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Kenya, Seychelles, Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Though there is a clear improvement on the negative results of 2009, this growth must be considered with caution as it compares with a particularly weak period of 2009 - the worst months of the global economic crisis. On the whole, international tourist arrivals totalled 119 million during the first two months of 2010, up 7% on 2009 but still 2% below the value of the record year of 2008.
2010 forecast not affected by recent air traffic disruption
UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to grow by 3% to 4% in 2010.
This outlook has not been altered by the recent air traffic disruption in European airspace. Although impacting very seriously on travellers, specific destinations and companies, in particular airlines, airports and tour operators, UNWTO estimates that the closure of a major part of European airspace between 15 and 20 April might have caused a loss of less than half a per cent of the yearly volume of international tourist arrivals in Europe and 0.3% of the total count for the world.
Nevertheless, while the positive trend registered in the first months of 2010 reflects improved economic conditions, UNWTO warns that many challenges remain.
"Although economic results have improved significantly in recent months with a positive impact on tourism demand we must remain cautious as many factors can still jeopardize the pace of recovery", said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai today in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the opening of the UNWTO Seminar on Tourism Governance In Times Of Crisis: Conjunctural and Structural Policies. "The economic recovery is being driven mainly by emerging economies while growth is still sluggish in most advanced ones. At the same time, increasing unemployment levels in major tourism source markets is a cause of concern", he added.
2009 - International tourism receipts down by 6% to US$ 852 billion
In 2009, international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 852 billion worldwide (€ 611 billion), down from US$ 942 billion (€ 641 billion) in the previous year. In real terms (adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations and inflation) international tourism receipts decreased by 6% as compared to a 4% decline in arrivals, showing the close relation between both indicators. Experience suggests that in times of crisis revenues tend to be more affected than arrivals as was the case for the year 2009.
2009 - China ranks fourth in tourism expenditure abroad
The top 10 ranking by international tourism spenders shows one noticeable change in 2009 with China overtaking France to take fourth position in the ranking of international tourism spenders. Chinese expenditure on international tourism has been the fastest to grow in the last decade, up from seventh position only in 2005. Even during last year's crisis, tourism expenditure by China increased by 21%.
There were no major changes in the rankings of the first ten destinations by international tourist arrivals and receipts in 2009. France, the USA and Spain continue to be leaders in both arrivals and receipts, albeit in a different order. France continues to lead the ranking of the world's major tourism destinations in terms of arrivals and ranks third in receipts. The USA ranks first in receipts and second in arrivals. Spain maintains its position as the second biggest earner worldwide and the first in Europe, and ranks third in arrivals. In 2009, both Turkey and Germany climbed one position in the ranking of arrivals to seventh and eighth places, respectively. In arrivals, Malaysiaentered the top ten in 2009 at ninth place.
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