Europe’s travel industry reports stable business in 2010 – gradual recovery expected in 2011 – Germany benefiting from rise in European tourism

This year there was a slight upturn in Europe’s tourism sector, which however will only slowly recover from the aftermath of the global recession next year. 2010 was a year in which Europe’s travel industry reported stable business. At the same time it must now accept that shorter trips and reduced spending have become the norm. These are the findings of the ITB World Travel Trends Report, which is based on an extract of the European Travel Monitor and forecasts by more than 50 tourism experts and scientists from around the world.

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Recent years have seen some large increases in the budgets of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) in emerging economies, a new joint UNWTO and European Travel Commission (ETC) report has revealed.

In spite of the difficult economic climate, the report, Budgets of National Tourism Organizations, 2008-2009, reveals that some two thirds of the surveyed NTOs saw an increase in their budgets in 2009, although at a lower rate of growth than that registered between 2006 and 2008.

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Joint venture agreement to form AirAsia Philippines will spur travel, trade and tourism across ASEAN

AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline , is pleased to announce that the Company through its fully owned subsidiary AA International Ltd has entered into a partnership agreement with Antonio O. Cojuangco Jr., Michael R Romero and Marianne B. Hontiveros to establish a low cost airline in the Philippines based on the successful AirAsia business model.

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Telling stories is key to spreading the message of responsible tourism, said Justin Francis, chief executive officer and co-founder of www.responsibletravel.com.

Francis, who will be speaking at PATA’s 60th Anniversary and Conference, 9-12 April, 2011 at the China World Hotel, Beijing, believes that the Association can play a key role in facilitating responsible tourism.

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by Reinhard Hohler, Chiang Mai

Halong Bay and its panoramic seascape of limestone karsts is usually
experienced passively, from the top deck of a cruising vessel, gin and tonic
in hand. But there’ll be no excuse for indolence this month when Emeraude
Classic Cruises debuts a three-day / two-night itinerary that plays up a
healthy dose of island adventure.

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to confirm that Bruce Poon Tip, founder of Gap Adventures, Canada, is to be the keynote speaker at the Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2011 (AT&RTCM2011). Under the theme ‘Social Give Back: Doing Well by Doing Good’, the event will take place at the Fulbari Resort and Spa, Pokhara, Nepal on February 07-11, 2011.

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