Vietnam ranks third in tourism rebound in region

Vietnam ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of tourism rebound, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The August Interim Update of the UNWTO Tourism Barometer said that the first six months of 2010 saw international tourist arrivals by 7 percent.

Growth was positive in all world regions, led by a robust performance of emerging economies at 8 percent compared to 6 percent in advanced economies. Asia and the Pacific (14 percent) and the Middle East (20 percent), where results were already positive in the second half of 2009, continue to lead growth in the first half of 2010 with the majority of destinations in both regions posting double digit growth rates.

“Asia in particular is experiencing a very dynamic rebound, with strong results from Sri Lanka (49 percent), Japan (36 percent), Vietnam (35 percent), Myanmar (35 percent), Hong Kong (China) (23 percent), Macao (China) (23 percent), Singapore (23 percent), Fiji (22 percent) and the Maldives (21 percent). Thailand (14 percent) posted encouraging results in spite of the political unrest early this year,” the organisation said.

However, the organisation said despite a clear recovery in international tourism, it is necessary to remain cautious.

According to the organisation, international tourist arrivals totalled 421 million during the first six months of 2010, up 7 percent on 2009.

UNWTO maintains its initial forecast of international tourist.