International Tourism: Recovery Confirmed

International tourist arrivals increased by 7 percent in the first four months of 2010. The 3 percent increase registered in April marks the seventh month of growth in international tourist arrivals after 14 consecutive months of negative results.

The overall positive trend during the first four months of 2010 is reflected in the rise of the UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index. Fifty percent of the experts participating in the UNWTO Panel of Tourism evaluate the period January-April as “better” or “much better.” This compares to 34 percent for the period September-December 2009 and is the best rating since January-April 2008 – before the onset of the global economic crisis.

UNWTO maintains its January forecast for international tourist arrivals in 2010 at +3 percent to +4 percent. Current growth rates suggest that end-year results are likely to be closer to 4 percent and may even exceed it. Much depends on the results of the upcoming summer high season in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe.

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