LONDON, UK/MADRID, Spain - The latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer confirms the rapid slowdown of international tourism growth since mid-2008, reflecting the impact of rising oil pri
LONDON, UK/MADRID, Spain - The latest edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer confirms the rapid slowdown of international tourism growth since mid-2008, reflecting the impact of rising oil prices at the beginning of the year and the deterioration of the economic situation, as well as of consumer confidence in recent months. Overall growth for 2008 is though still projected at around 2 percent, building on the strong results of the first five months. UNWTO’s “Resilience Committee” will support its members with accurate economic analysis and response mechanisms. The tourism sector’s effective response to the economic downturn will be discussed at the Global Ministers’ Summit at World Travel Market (London, UK, November 11). A series of regional response groups will follow, starting in the Middle East (Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, November 23-24).