Madrid, 03 Nov 2006/eTN - International tourism demand continues to exceed expectations and proves to be resilient against external shocks and crisis.

Tourism Trends

According to new World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) figures to be released at the start of the World Travel Market (WTM), 2006 will be the third year of sustained growth. This sets the ground for a healthy expansion of the sector during 2007, although probably at a slightly slower pace.

"Tourism keeps the world economy on the move. It is number one in world services trade, the largest export earner, and employs millions of people. Most of these jobs are in small or medium-sized, family-owned businesses", UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli said.

This characterizes the tourism sector in general and the UNWTO activities in particular as showcased at World Travel Market, ranging from the situation in the Middle East to responsible tourism. The Secretary-General of UNWTO will outline the tourism scenario and make major announcements concerning new UNWTO's approaches and alliances at an event on the World Stage at WTM on Monday 6th of November at 5pm.

Tourism and Sports

As preparations for the next two Olympic Games in Beijing (2008) and London (2012) are under way, UNWTO considers the links between tourism and sports. "The main objective will be to reflect on the value of staging such a high profile event as the Games and how best to use it to produce durable benefits for tourism", said Regional Representative for Europe, Luigi Cabrini.

On Tuesday 7th, a seminar jointly organized by UNWTO and the UK Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport (MCMS) at the WTM, will look into the sustainable opportunities for tourism arising from mega sports events.

Deputy Chairman of CNTA i.e. China National Tourism Administration has been invited among other VIP guests to be a keynote speaker during the confrence.

Responsible Tourism Day

Responsible Tourism is an important consumer and corporate component of triple bottom line sustainability - economic, social and environmental. The need for a more responsible attitude in tourism, especially towards host communities, has become evident in recent years.

The UN family and the Tourism Industry celebrates World Tourism Day each 27th of September, celebrating the social and economic relevance of Tourism - a video will be played throughout the event on all the WTM screens.

Now in a first extension, WTM will launch Responsible Tourism Day with UNWTO as its major partner, focusing on practical action by the industry and other stakeholders in this critically important area.

For further information please contact:

UNWTO Press and Communications Department