The latest figures from the United Nations specialised agency, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), show that in 2005 international tourism sustained the sharp upturn that began in 2004 The number of international tourist arrivals recorded worldwide grew by 5.5% and exceeded 800 million for the first time ever.
Although 2005 was certainly a tumultuous year, international tourism has fared amazingly well. Despite various terrorist attacks and natural disasters, such as the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami and an extraordinarily long and strong hurricane season, the recovery, which started in 2004, continued firmly through 2005. Based on detailed results for a large number of destinations included in the January issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the number of international tourist arrivals in 2005 is estimated at 808 million, up from 766 million in 2004.
“The tourism sector has gained substantially in resilience over the past years. In spite of the turbulent environment we live in nowadays, destinations worldwide added some 100 million international arrivals between 2002 and 2005,” said Francesco Frangialli, secretary general, UNWTO.
Africa led the way in 2005, with growth estimated at 10%. Growth was stronger in Sub-Saharan Africa (+13%) with particularly remarkable results for Kenya, up 26% between January and October compared with the same period of the previous year. South Africa (+11% Jan-Aug), as well as the island destinations of Seychelles (+7%) and Mauritius (+6%), all improved on their 2004 results. In North Africa growth continued, but at a more moderate pace, with Tunisia recording an increase of 8% between January and November and Morocco 5% for the full year.
Growth in Asia and the Pacific averaged 7%, following the exceptional post-SARS rebound in 2004, which saw a growth of 27%. In the Americas, growth reached 6% with North America (+4%) and the Caribbean (+5%) slightly below the regional average.
Following the very strong performance over the past couple of years, the Middle East seems to have entered a more moderate phase of growth, with the increase for 2005 estimated at 7%. Egypt (+6%), Dubai (+7% Jan-Sep) and Jordan (+5%) are all close to the regional average, while Bahrain (+11% Jan-Sep), Saudi Arabia (+21% Jan-Jun) and Palestine (+45% Jan-Sep) are on their way to exceeding it.
Europe recorded relatively modest growth of 4%, which is still one percentage point above the long-term trend of the region. This result can be considered very encouraging given the rather weak economy in some of its major intra-regional source markets.
For 2006, the UNWTO predicts the current pattern of gradually slowing growth will continue. International tourist arrivals worldwide are expected to grow 4-5% in 2006.
Follow us on
