International tourism has increased by 7%

Posted 02 Sep 2010

The number of people travelling overseas, including those who plan to teach English abroad, increased by seven per cent in the first half of the year.

That is according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which also found that Asia is leading this growth.

TEFL-qualified people could decide to teach English in China as a result because this destination must be popular for a reason.

The UNWTO announced that Asia and the Pacific witnessed a growth of 14 per cent in the number of tourists arriving at the region's airports.

This was followed by South America with a seven per cent increase, while tourism levels in Europe lagged behind with just two per cent growth.

Particularly popular destinations in the first six months of 2010 were Sri Lanka (48 per cent growth), Japan (39 per cent) and Vietnam (35 per cent).

The increase in the number of people travelling to Sri Lanka could be due to the recent announcement by the British government that it is now safe to visit the region, following years of conflict.

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO secretary-general, said: "Although we are witnessing a clear recovery in international tourism, we must remain cautious."
 

Category: Moving Abroad