Worldwide tourism results for 2005 show a continuation of the overall positive trend of 2004, with international tourist arrivals growing on average by eight per cent in the first four months, according to the recently released June edition of the WTO World Tourism Barometer.

Although the excellent pace of growth of 2004 was expected to slow down gradually, for the moment rates are very similar to those seen in the second half of 2004, a year in which international tourist arrivals grew by more than 10% to an all-time record of 763 million.

The first few months thus indicate that 2005 is shaping up as a year of continued recovery from the various shocks felt in the 2001-2003 period.

A factor that should not be overlooked in this recovery is the stimulating effect of "tempting" offers made available by online travel services including low-cost airlines.

WTO Chief of Market Intelligence and Promotion, Mr. Augusto Huéscar comments: "the geopolitical climate, the persistent weak economy and SARS have constrained tourism seriously in previous years and have left a significant amount of pent-up demand in the market. From last year on, we have seen this being released and the data indicate that this process is still in full swing. People are regaining the lust for travel and feel that the moment is appropriate to make the trips they postponed in the past years."

Positive results are estimated over the first four months of 2005 for all regions, ranging from 5% for Europe to 17% for the Middle East.