Paving the Way into 2009 - Global Trends

The WTM Global Trends Report 2008, in association with Euromonitor International, demonstrates its underlying strength and influence in people’s daily lives worldwide. Regardless of references to ‘meltdown,’ inflation, fuel prices and falling disposable income, there is no denying that international travel and tourism is still projected to have an estimated 1.6 billion travellers by 2020. Travel and tourism is strong and diversified, helping it to remain successful. In the past, the industry has shown that it can overcome the world’s economic problems.

The Report identifies the next generation of trends in the travel and tourism industry which offer a diverse range of opportunities worldwide. Looking across the spectrum, the Middle East enjoys a growing expatriate community turning to the region as a holiday destination. Fair trade holidays in sub-Saharan Africa are on the cusp of going mainstream, while Asian business travel is benefiting from the current financial crisis as companies shift to Asia for growth potential. Latin Americans are going long-haul in search of international experiences,