Travel news

WTO Reports Changes in Tourism Trends

The World Tourism Organization has issued a timely report on the current trends of world tourism...World tourism had enjoyed exceptional years in 2000 and the first seven months of 2001, with international tourism growing by some 45 million-tourist arrivals...he basic characteristics of international tourism in the first half of 2002 are as follows:
Many people now take driving holidays rather than long-haul flights to holiday destinations. The WTO envisions the contraction easing slowly.
The public has eased away from early bookings in favour of last minute bookings, which traditionally have been discounted. Parallel to this it has been noted that shorter holidays are being booked.
Increase in popularity of special interest holidays has been noted. These include trekking, walking, biking, sports, wine tours and other. In increasing instances non-hotel accommodations are being sought.
One positive sign is increased opportunities of destinations with lower border entry procedures, particularly within the European Union.
The WTO stresses in its report that cooperation between governments and the travel industry is very important, and such should be strengthened wherever possible....

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