Tourism grows globally, despite security concerns

New York, Jul 5 (PTI) International tourism grew by 5 per
cent in the first four months of this year as compared to the
same period last year, despite insecurity in some parts of the
world, the UN tourism body has said.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
however, expects the sector to grow at a slower pace in the
current year because of the economic crisis facing the world.

Fluctuation in tourism demand will be contingent on "how
the economy evolves and consumers react, both of which are
directly interrelated to oil and food prices," said UNWTO
Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli.

The northern hemisphere's summer season, traditionally
the busiest period of the year, will need to be followed
closely, he said.

All of the world's subregions posted growth between
January and April this year, with Middle East, North-East and
South Asia and Central and South America witnessing highest
rates of increase.

In the same period, countries such as China, Japan,
Indonesia, Cuba, Jamaica, Sweden, Bulgaria, Israel, Turkey,
Egypt and Morocco witnessed double-digit growth rates. PTI