The UNWTO Executive Council meeting in Algiers for its 79th session, with the attendance of 38 Ministerial Delegations from around the world, welcomed the estimated 4.6% growth of international arrivals in 2006. This market strength is forecast to continue through 2007, at around 4% – the fourth year of sustained growth in international tourism and in line with UNWTO’s long-term vision.UNWTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli, particularly underscored Africa ‘s strong 2006 forecast, where tourism arrivals are expected to increase by 10.6% through this year. Sub-Saharan Africa with a forecast 2006 increase of 12.6% is a key driver of the success. North Africa is also expected to grow well above the world average.The Executive Council, will review the state of the tourism industry against the evolving global geopolitical and social dynamics, with an emphasis on tourism’s role as a key element of trade and development and in the context of the organization’s role as the specialized agency of the UN family dealing with this important service sector.Read more here.
