| | | | | industry. This is based on worldwide tourism statics in |
| In 2007, the United Nations World Tourism Organization | | | | the past gathered by the organization. |
| (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer showed growth | | | | For one, despite tensions and threats in the Middle |
| in the international tourism arrivals. It is expected that | | | | East, the region totaled 46 million international tourist |
| this trend will continue until this 2008 despite | | | | arrivals. The region is emerging as a strong destination |
| deteriorating economic climate. | | | | with visitor numbers climbing much faster than the |
| Recently, there was a global rapid increase of the oil | | | | world total, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt among the |
| price resulting to fare increases in the maritime, land | | | | leading destinations in growth in 2007. |
| transportation and aviation sector. Aside from that, | | | | Data showed that, mature markets such as Europe |
| economies worldwide have weakened due to | | | | remain as the leading destinations in the world. In 2007, |
| subprime mortage crisis in the USA. These conditions | | | | Europe received about 19 million of tourist arrival. |
| have reduced consumer confidence and set pressure | | | | Tourism growth is driven by emerging markets and |
| on spending and travel budgets of individuals and | | | | developing economies. Now that China has increase |
| families. | | | | participation in global economy and post economic |
| The global crisis may present a gloomy picture of the | | | | growth over the years, with its billion population, the |
| future for the tourism sector but UNWTO said that the | | | | tourism sector will surely weather the current world |
| global will not halt the expected growth for the tourism | | | | crisis though growth is expected at a slower rate. |