Latest figures from the World Tourism Organization show that international tourist arrivals to Europe increased by 6% year-on-year during the January-August 2004 period.

On a regional basis, growth was higher than average in Central and Eastern Europe (+16%) – largely as a result of an increase in services by low cost carriers – and in Northern Europe (+8%), where the UK (+13%) was the strongest performer.

Southern Mediterranean Europe and Western Europe recorded less dramatic year-on-year growth of 4% and 2% respectively, which the WTO attributed to the maturity of their markets and the strength of the euro. Traditional holiday destinations such as Italy (-0.1% up to July) and Portugal (-3% up to Aug) saw declines, in contrast with growth seen by non-eurozone countries such as Turkey (+29%) , Croatia (+6%) and Slovenia (+6%) .

Outside Europe, Asia Pacific reported the best performance, with international visitor arrivals up 37% year-on-year. North America, meanwhile, returned to growth (+12%) after more than three years of losses.

Worldwide, the number of international tourist arrivals during the eight months reached around 526m, 12% more than in the corresponding period of 2003. And, while the WTO pointed out that this year’s figures benefited from comparison with a war- and SARS-hit 2003, they still represent growth of 41m or 9% over 2002, the previous record year.

Source:   e-Tid.com