Europe's growth in international tourist arrivals of four per cent in 2006 was below the world average, according to new statistics...

Despite uncertainties over the implications of climate change and continuing concerns over health issues and terrorism, Europe is on course for an overall growth in arrivals of around 3%-3.5% this year.

The European Travel Commission said Europe's growth last year was well below Africa and Asia/Pacific at eight per cent growth.

Yet the increase represented some 17 million additional arrivals in Europe, or 47% of the total global increase estimated for 2006.

Northern Europe, which accounts for a share of just 12% of total arrivals in Europe but which generates the highest level of receipts per arrival – achieved the best sub-regional growth in arrivals over 2005, of six per cent. 

Demand boosted by major events

Countries achieving the strongest performances were Finland, Iceland and Ireland, all recording increases in arrivals and/or overnight volume of above 10%.  But, with the exception of Denmark, all the other countries in the sub-region also performed above average. 

Overall demand was boosted by a larger than usual number of major events in Europe, including the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, the FIFA Football World Cup in Germany and the Ryder Cup in Ireland, as well as cultural events linked to famous artists and musicians – such as the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt's birth, Mozart's 250th anniversary and Picasso's 125th. 

The ETC's European Tourism Insights 2006 – Outlook for 2007, the third annual report on the state of Europe's travel and tourism industry, shows that, while it is a mature destination region, Europe's tourism performance over the past few years has been impressive. 

Arrivals stagnated in 2001 and 2003 – due in large part to the impact of 9/11, terrorism and the SARS epidemic on traveller confidence – yet the annual growth in international arrivals in Europe has still averaged around 2.5% since the beginning of the decade, and 4% since 2003. 

Short break boom

As a result, the region has easily maintained its dominant share (54%) of world tourist arrivals, according to the ETC.

Much of the rise has come from Europeans taking more frequent short breaks, often taking advantage of low-cost airlines linking regional airports as well as capital cities. 

And visitor expenditure data suggests that these trips do not necessarily generate lower spending.

Europe continues to rank high up the destination 'wish list' of tourists from all four corners of the globe due to its rich diversity of landscapes and cultures, its wide-ranging historical attractions, and its multi-ethnic population spread over a relatively small area in comparison with, for example, North America or Southeast Asia, the ETC said.