Preliminary results for the first four months of 2006 point to some 236 million international tourist arrivals worldwide, or 10 million more than in the same period of 2005, reflecting the sustained growth in global tourism demand started in 2004. These are the findings based on the data gathered by the United Nations specialized agency, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), for January through April 2006, as presented in the latest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

Although the rate of growth has slowed slightly, in line with the forecast published in the January issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, 2006 has got off to a good start, with the first four months of the year recording a 4.5% growth in international tourist arrivals worldwide. On a month-by-month basis, growth is estimated at 4% for both January and February, compared with the same months the previous year. March’s total count was 1% down – because, in 2005, Easter fell in the month of March but was in April this year – but strong demand over the 2006 Easter period resulted in an 11% rise in April.

Africa and the Middle East (both +11%), as well as Asia and the Pacific (+8%), showed faster than average growth, while Europe and the Americas grew at a more moderate pace – at just under 3%. The first months of 2006 were also marked by the much-expected recovery of the destinations tragically hit by the December 2004 tsunami. Arrivals in the Maldives were as much as 97% above the same period last year. Sri Lanka (+25%) also did well, while foreign arrivals in Thailand through Bangkok airport rose by 29% in the first three months of 2006. Indonesia’s recovery, meanwhile, has been unfortunately compromised by the 27 May earthquake that occurred near Indonesia’s second favorite tourism destination, Yogyakarta.

Although it has already had an impact on tourism demand, it should not seriously affect traffic to the many other destinations of the large and diverse Indonesian archipelago, such as Bali, Lombok, Sumatra or Jakarta. Recovery will not be easy, nonetheless, and will require support and commitment from the international community – as were so quickly forthcoming after the tsunami tragedy.

Looking back on tumultuous times, 2006’s trends so far confirm that disruptions, while definitely affecting destinations at a local level and over a specific period, do not alter global or regional traffic flows. Major factors contributing to the current growth trend include the favorable economic situation in key generating markets, the fact that consumer confidence remains high and, finally yet importantly, the efforts of national administrations to develop and promote tourism.

Western Australia, Queensland keen on direct flights to China

Tourism authorities representing Western Australia (WA) and Queensland are keen on establishing direct links with China.

Following Queensland’s recent announcement of the in-principle agreement between a Chinese airline and Queensland authorities to work closely together to remove possible barriers for flights between Chinese cities and Brisbane, Western Australia has expressed interest for direct connectivity.

“It would be great for us as a tourism market if we could have a direct link between China and Western Australia. If we could fly direct to, say, Shanghai in China and any number of other destinations in Korea and Japan, it would be huge because they are such massive markets. Like the Japanese, the Chinese would rather have a direct route to WA than having to change planes.