Non-UNWTO

Introducing Bangladesh Tourism Board

May 2011

UNWTO is proud to support the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh’s decision to form the ‘Bangladesh Tourism Board’ (BTB) as the acting ‘National Tourism Organization’ (NTO) of Bangladesh. The Board will play the leading role of promoting and marketing Bangladesh Tourism domestically and internationally. BTB will also be engaged in formulating tourism plans and policies for the development of tourism, along with attracting foreign investment in the tourism sector. Mr.

International Tourism: First results of 2011 confirm consolidation of growth

PR No.: 
PR11041
Madrid
11 May 11

International tourist arrivals grew by close to 5% during the first months of 2011, consolidating the 7% rebound registered in 2010. According to the April Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, growth was positive in all world (sub)regions during January and February 2011, with the exception of the Middle East and North Africa. South America and South Asia led growth (both at +15%), followed by Subsaharan Africa (+13%) and Central and Eastern Europe (+12%).

Asia and the Pacific, the region with one of the fastest growth rates in 2010, saw its pace of growth slow down (+6%), although from a very strong performance the previous year. Results were better than expected forEurope (+6%), boosted by the recovery of Central and Eastern Europe, and the temporary redistribution of travel to destinations in Southern and Mediterranean Europe due to developments in North Africa (-9%) and the Middle East (-10%).

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Tourism instrumental in post-earthquake recovery in Sichuan, China

PR No.: 
PR11039
Madrid
06 May 11

Tourism has played a major role in the economic recovery of the Chinese province of Sichuan in the three years following the 2008 earthquake. Its vital contribution to local growth and employment was recognized by all attending the recent Sichuan International Cultural and Tourism Festival (Chengdu, Sichuan, 18-22 April).

“Sichuan’s rich natural and cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourism destinations in China,” said UNWTO Executive Director, Zoltan Somogyi, addressing the event. “The devastating earthquake of 2008 impacted hard on the sector, but thanks to the work of the Chinese Government, surrounding provinces and international assistance, tourism has been a strong driver of the economic recovery in the province”.  

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