UNWTO forecasts growth in international tourist arrivals between three-four per cent in 2010

According to the latest edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometre, growth returned to international tourism in the last quarter of 2009 contributing to better than expected full-year results. International tourist arrivals fell by an estimated four per cent in 2009. Prospects have also improved with arrivals now forecast to grow between three-four per cent in 2010. This outlook is confirmed by the rise of the UNWTO Panel of Experts’ Confidence Index.

International tourist arrivals for business, leisure and other purposes are estimated to have declined worldwide by four per cent in 2009 to 880 million. This represents a slight improvement on the previous estimate as a result of the two per cent upswing in the last quarter of 2009. In contrast, international tourist arrivals reduced by ten per cent, seven per cent and two per cent in the first three quarters respectively. Asia and the Pacific region and Middle East led the recovery with growth already turning positive in both regions in the second half of 2009.