International tourism expenditures

The World Tourism Organization reports the following countries as the top ten biggest spenders on international tourism for the year 2008. For the fifth year in a row, German tourists continue as the top spenders.^[7][9]

Rank	Country	UNWTO Regional Market	International Tourism Expenditures (2008)[7]	International Tourism Expenditures (2007)[7]	International Tourism Expenditures (2006)[9]
1	Germany	Europe	$91.0 billion	$83.1 billion	$73.9 billion
2	United States	North America	$79.7 billion	$76.4 billion	$72.1 billion
3	United Kingdom	Europe	$68.5 billion	$71.4 billion	$63.1 billion
4	France	Europe	$43.1 billion	$36.7 billion	$31.2 billion
5	China	Asia	$36.2 billion	$29.8 billion	$24.3 billion
6	Italy	Europe	$30.8 billion	$27.3 billion	$23.1 billion
7	Japan	Asia	$27.9 billion	$26.5 billion	$26.9 billion
8	Canada	North America	$26.9 billion	$24.7 billion	$20.5 billion
9	Russia	Europe	$24.9 billion	$22.3 billion	$18.2 billion
10	Netherlands	Europe	$21.7 billion	$19.1 billion	n.a.

International tourism receipts

In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 1.8% on 2007.^[1] When the export value of international passenger transport receipts is accounted for, total receipts in 2008 reached a record of US$1.1 trillion, or over US$3 billion a day.^[1]

The World Tourism Organization reports the following countries as the top ten tourism earners for the year 2008. It is noticeable that most of them are on the European continent, but the United States continues to be the top earner.

Rank	Country	UNWTO Regional Market	International Tourism Receipts (2008)[7]	International Tourism Receipts (2007)[4][7]	International Tourism Receipts (2006)[8]
1	United States	North America	$110.1 billion	$96.7 billion	$85.7 billion
2	Spain	Europe	$61.6 billion	$57.6 billion	$51.1 billion
3	France	Europe	$55.6 billion	$54.3 billion	$46.3 billion
4	Italy	Europe	$45.7 billion	$42.7 billion	$38.1 billion
5	China	Asia	$40.8 billion	$37.2 billion	$33.9 billion
6	Germany	Europe	$40.0 billion	$36.0 billion	$32.8 billion
7	United Kingdom	Europe	$36.0 billion	$38.6 billion	$33.7 billion
8	Australia	Oceania	$24.7 billion	$22.3 billion	$17.8 billion
9	Turkey	Europe	$22.0 billion	$18.5 billion	$16.9 billion
10	Austria	Europe	$21.8 billion	$18.9 billion	$16.6 billion

Tourism

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited".^[3] Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 1.8%.^[1]

As a result of the Late-2000s recession, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months,^[4] and this negative trend intensified as international tourist arrivals fell by 8% during the first four months of 2009.^[1] Thereafter this declining trend was exacerbated in some regions due to the outbreak of the influenza AH1N1 virus.^[1]

Tourism is vital for many countries, such as the U.A.E, Egypt, Greece and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxis, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, various music venues and the theatre.

Africa travel information

Mention Africa, and for most people it immediately conjures up images of leopards stalking a herd of zebra on the Serengeti, crocodiles wallowing in muddy rivers, and brightly painted warriors with spears and animal fur clothing. Of course there are areas with all of these things… but not many as most people imagine. In reality, Africa is a huge continent that is impossible to pigeon-hole into any particular style or category. From the ancient pyramids in the north, to Table Mountain in the south, it is a fascinating, intriguing, and above all, welcoming land. For all its amazing scenery and unbelievable wildlife, it's the people that make Africa what it is. Fiercely proud and strong they may be, but they are warm hearted, unendingly cheerful, and have an amazing ability to see the bright side of everything. Everywhere you go there will be singing and dancing at the first sign of a foreign face. They will offer you there last morsel of food as a gesture of friendship, and sleep outside to offer you their bed. For large parts of Africa , poverty, hunger, and disease, are sadly the norm. Without the unquestioning support and assistance of the huge number of charities, missions, and other non-governmental organisations, the already dreadful mortality rate would be unthinkable. There are also areas where it's still not safe to travel, because of civil wars, insurgencies, bandits, and the like. Slowly these seem to be reducing in number, and countries that were once absolute no-go areas are now slowly seeing a return of visitors. The north of Africa is wholly different to that south of the vast Sahara Desert . To begin with it has been home to intelligent, civilised, trading nations for thousands of years. Travel along the Nile through Egypt , and you will see evidence of these ancient civilizations all around. The sandy streets are lined with bazaars and markets, camels are still a main form of transport outside the cities, and the busy coastal towns along the Mediterranean are mostly well versed at welcoming tourists. South of the desert, it is a very different story. Communities are thinly spread, have little infrastructure, and often seem to live with few differences to the way they have for centuries. The land is arid, with rocky outcrops, and few areas that can be successfully cultivated. The coastal countries of western Africa are far greener, being fed by large river systems heading to the Atlantic . Central to southern Africa, across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, has huge areas of undeveloped bush land, and some areas of dense jungle, with a fairly even spread of small towns and villages. This is the area where you will find the best of the large wildlife parks, mostly well managed with the tourist and ecologist in mind. South Africa is the most popular destination of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a landscape that ranges from game reserves, to mountains, and rich coastal resorts. Throughout the continent, the forces of nature have created some monumental natural landmarks. The most outstanding of these has to be the Great Rift Valley, which stretches for 3,500 miles from Mozambique to Syria . As it passes through Kenya , Ethiopia , and Uganda , it's edges are marked by dramatic cliffs towering out of the plains. Sitting astride the Kenya-Tanzania border is Africa 's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. At almost 6000m it towers above the Atlas Mountains in the north, and the Drakensburg Mountains in the south. Great rivers such as the Nile, Congo , and Niger , are a lifeline to those along their valleys, and the Zambezi attracts visitors with their camera, as it flows over the mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Africa is compelling, captivating, and exciting. Scientists believe it to be the origin of the human species, which maybe explains its un-natural power to make you feel at home, even if you've never set foot on African soil before. Spend any amount of time there and it really gets into your blood, making you want to return again and again.

Vancouver 2010: The essential Winter Olympics guide

Seven years may seem a long time to wait for the 2016 Olympics in samba-fuelled Rio. However, if you're more of a snow than a sun worshipper, the Winter Olympics are a mere four months away. Better still, the action takes place against the jaw-dropping beauty of Canada's third largest city, Vancouver.

Vancouver was rated the world's most liveable city in 2009 by The Economist. Nearby Whistler, where several events are planned, has just been ranked North America's number one ski resort by readers of Skiing magazine for the 13th year in a row.

With such impressive credentials, there's no doubt that western Canada offers an outstanding destination for athletes and visitors alike. Susie Henderson helps you to make the most of the 2010 Games.

When do the Games take place?

The Olympic Games will be held from 12-28 February, while the Paralympic Games will take place from 12-21 March.

Getting there

Air Canada and British Airways both offer direct flights from London Heathrow. Canadian Affair operates charter flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow. A cheaper option is taking an indirect flight via the USA. BA also has daily flights to Seattle, a three-hour drive from Vancouver.

Where to stay

Vancouver has seen a handful of glitzy hotels springing up in the past couple of years, including the impressive Shangri-La, part of the city's tallest skyscraper, and the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which opens in January.

How do I buy tickets?

In the UK, tickets are available for the Olympics from Sportsworld and for the Paralympics from Travel Places. Both can also organise flights and accommodation.

Any gold prospects?

The halcyon days of Torvill and Dean's gold-medal-winning Bolero performance may be a distant memory, but don't rule the Brits out.

Scotland's victory over Canada in the 2009 World Championships suggests the men's curling team should put in a strong performance. Watch out for Zoe Gillings, who's currently ranked fifth in the world in snowboard cross. Nicola Minichiello and Gillian Cooke won gold at the 2009 Bobsleigh World Championships, while British women have excelled in recent bob skeleton competitions.

What's going on where?

Vancouver (and nearby Richmond and Cypress Mountain) will host the opening and closing ceremonies, ice hockey, curling, figure skating, speed skating, snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

Whistler will host the alpine and cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge events.

Any other action?

Aside from sporting events, a Cultural Olympiad will showcase an enormous range of Canadian and international artists in a series of concerts, plays, performances and exhibitions from 22 January-21 March.

Even if you don't have tickets, you can experience the buzz of the Games at a collection of live sites. Vancouver will have two sites with large screens, live entertainment and special events; expect things to really kick off on hockey nights. In Richmond, south of the city, the O Zone will feature concerts and an outdoor ice rink.

In Whistler, giant TV screens strung up around the village will broadcast live coverage of events. Each afternoon, you'll be able to listen to bands or check out art exhibitions and interactive shows. Nightly entertainment will range from skiers jumping through rings of fire to a light show, which organisers claim will rival the Northern Lights. All these events are free.

You can also check out the national and sponsor pavilions. Holland House in Richmond's O Zone is said to be the one to party at, having gained legendary status at previous Olympics.

Getting around

TransLink operates an excellent public transit system in Vancouver, combining buses, SkyTrain (a light rail service) and SeaBus. If you hold a ticket to an event, you'll be able to access all public transport free of charge on that day.

The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler has been widened and improved. There will be no public parking in Whistler, so unless your accommodation comes with spaces, you'll need to board one of the frequent Olympic shuttle buses from Vancouver.

Within Whistler, local buses will connect the venues, neighbourhoods and ski lifts, while the 35km (22-mile) Valley Trail will be cleared for walkers and cross-country skiers.

Will I be able to visit Vancouver's attractions and ski in Whistler during the Games?

Yes, Vancouver attractions will be open to visitors and 90% of Whistler Blackcomb will remain open for skiing and snowboarding, so you never know - you might end up sharing a chairlift with an Olympian.

Can I experience the venues for myself?

While you may not be able to race Bode Miller on the downhill course or shred the halfpipe with Shaun White, you can follow in their tracks if you decide to visit outside the Olympics.

Test your mettle on the Dave Murray Downhill race course in Whistler or attempt a backside 180 in the halfpipe at Cypress Mountain.

Another highlight is Whistler Olympic Park, set in the spectacular Callaghan Valley, with 55km (34 miles) of cross-country ski trails. You can also try your hand at biathlon or ride the lift to the top of the ski jumps.

Further information:
Vancouver 2010
2010 Destination Planning
Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Whistler
Tourism BC

Bitesized guide: Best après-ski resorts 2009

Consider how hard you want to party when planning your ski holidays this winter, with our bitesized guide to the world's best ski resorts for après-ski, from Austria's top night spots in Mayrhofen and Saalbach to France's Morzine resort.

Mayrhofen ski resort, Austria

No one does après-ski with quite as much enthusiasm - or beer - as the Austrians. There are a dozen bars to visit in the ski resort of Mayrhofen but the coolest has got to be the White Lounge up on Ahorn. This huge igloo nightclub even has ice hotel rooms if you want to stay for the night. The giant Strass Hotel, down Hauptstrasse, offers six different bar experiences, including a sports lounge and pub, an après-ski ice bar, the Speakeasy Arena (one of two nightclubs in town), and an aqua bar, so pack the swimming suit too!

Morzine ski resort, France

Order a Giraffe (giant beer tower) at the iconic Buddha Bar or watch sport and catch up with the seasonaire crowd (seasonal workers) at Dixies. All the bars in the ski resort of Morzine close at 0200 but coincidentally, that's just when the notorious Le Paradis nightclub wakes up and doesn't close until the wee hours. Le Laurys is another nightclub in Morzine. However, L'Opera Rock and The Cavern Bar are a lot more central and trendier après-ski spots. The Kamikaze Surf Bar and the Underground are our two favourites on the après-ski party scene for their live music and themed parties.

St Anton ski resort, Austria

Before you've even reached the bottom of the mountain at St Anton ski resort, there's the famous or infamous Krazy Kangaruh - favoured by a young crowd, on the piste just above the resort and definitely not for those in search of a quiet drink. Other après-ski choices include the trendy Anton Bar at Galzig lift station, which claims ‘no screamers, no jivers', with top DJs, snacks and a video wall. Bar Cuba offers cocktails, paninis and pies. Alibi serves up music and draught beers from Guinness to Wieselburger. The Kandahar is perfect to dance until dawn, plus it serves tasty Thai and Indian food.

Whistler ski resort, Canada

The biggest and best Canadian resort also rules the après-ski action for North America. Whistler ski resort has a great selection of lively après-ski joints, including the legendary Longhorn Saloon and the Garibaldi Lift Company at the main base, Merlin's at the Blackcomb Day Lodge and Dusty's at the foot of the Creekside gondola. The partying continues into the night at several clubs around the pedestrianised area. Mojos is where all the instructors and the locals 'in the know' will be after 2200 on Friday nights.

Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski resort, Austria

Classic Austrian après-ski is on offer in Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski resort with beer, schnapps and dancing in ski boots. As the lifts shut, try Hinterhagalm on the slopes above Saalbach, or Bauer's Skialm and the outdoor bar at the Hotel zur Dorfschmiede, both at the bottom of the slopes. By night there's plenty of choice until late - in the ski resort of Saalbach there are the Kuhstall bar with live music (in the Alpenhotel) and King's Disco (Sporthotel Berger), or in Hinterglemm try the Glemmerkeller, Road King and Tanzhimmel (Hotel Knappenhof).

On the right track: Scenic rail journeys

From the spectacular fjords of western Norway to the dense forests of Lapland and the myriad lakes of eastern Finland, beautiful scenery awaits at every bend on a train journey in Scandinavia.

Jump aboard to discover the region's most thrilling rail trips.

Bergensbanen, Norway

Celebrating its centenary in 2009, the Bergensbanen (Bergen Line) originally began life as a vital new link between the country's two biggest cities, Bergen in the east and Oslo in the west. Around 15,000 men worked on this huge engineering project, laying tracks round the clock and carving out no fewer than 182 tunnels. It was a daring undertaking that cost the Norwegian state a whopping 50 million kroner, equivalent to the whole state budget at the time.

It's the stretch along the Hardangervidda, Europe's highest mountainous plateau, which boasts the most spectacular scenery, and has made this railway famous the world over. Finse, at 1,222m (4,008ft) above sea level, is the highest point on the line, and a popular destination for nostalgic winter sports enthusiasts, although other ski resorts such as Geilo, Gol and Nesbyen also draw their fair share of visitors.

With rough weather, extreme temperatures and the risk of avalanches ever present, the line remains a challenge to run despite advances in technology, but the railway is open year round. The trip between Oslo and Bergen takes about eight hours.

Rauma Line, Norway

Not as well known, but arguably just as beautiful as the Flåm Railway, is the Rauma Line (Raumabanen), which snakes its way through stunning alpine scenery from Dombås, a mountain village in Dovre, to the town of Åndalsnes, by Romsdalfjord. The 124km (77 miles) track winds over 32 bridges and through four horseshoe-tunnels. Parts of the route featured in the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

During the summer (June-August), the focus is on sightseeing; audio commentaries are offered in several languages, including English, and the trains slow in speed enabling visitors to enjoy the scenery. The panoramic windows mean it's easy to take photographs too. Highlights include: Trollveggen, Europe's tallest vertical rock face (watch out for rock-climbers and base-jumpers); Kylling Bridge (particularly impressive when floodlit at night), and the emerald-green Rauma River, which follows the tracks for part of the route.

Flåm Railway, Norway

A side line from the Bergensbanen, the Flåm Railway plunges its way from Myrdal down to the majestic Aurlandfjord some 800m (2,624ft) below. It is one of the world's steepest railway lines, clinging to the mountainside at an angle that will make you forget about reaching for your camera and clench your armrest that little bit harder instead. Indeed, it's such a steep descent that trains are equipped with five braking systems.

Another masterpiece of Norwegian engineering, the 20km stretch passes through 20 tunnels, most of which had to be excavated manually - each metre taking a team of over 100 men a month to dig. From the rugged peaks surrounding Myrdal to the lush valley by the fjord below, the landscape is breathtaking, dotted at every bend with rushing streams, waterfalls, picturesque wooden farms and even mountain goats.

Inlandsbanan, Sweden

No trip to Scandinavia would be complete without a foray into Lapland, and the Inlandsbanan (Inland Railway) between Mora and Gällivare is one of the best ways to discover this untamed wilderness. Travel in summer to experience the midnight sun and make the most of the long, warmer days. Or venture north in the midst of winter and marvel at the white frozen wonderland from the comfort of your (heated) carriage. You may even be lucky and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Whatever the season, there is plenty to see and do along the way. Discover Sami culture, explore rugged, unique nature (the Laponia Area is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list), try your hand at angling, pick cloudberries, join a reindeer safari or even visit the local mosquito museum in Galliväre (ouch!). Package tours are available, or you can travel independently with the Inlandsbanan Card, enabling you to hop on and off during a two week period.

Helsinki-Savonlinna, Finland

To see the best Finland has to offer, head east from Helsinki to the Finnish Lakeland region, one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the country. The trip to Savonlinna in the heart of the Lake Saimaa district takes just under five hours, with a change at Parikkala, cutting through dense forests and passing countless lakes.

Savonlinna itself is a picturesque town. It's home to one of northern Europe's most dramatic castles, and hosts a popular opera festival in July. Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to travel around this time. As with everywhere else in Scandinavia, trains are modern, comfortable and on time, but in Finland they are also very cheap, making this an ideal way to explore the country.

JapaMala Resort, Tioman Island

My heart thumped in my chest and a smug grin slid across my face as we bounced across the dazzling aquamarine waters of the South China Sea. If there’s one way to reach your hotel in style, it had to be like this; via speedboat. We were racing towards JapaMala Resort on Tioman Island.

Seducing my new husband and I with the promise of a secluded jungle outpost, we had chosen the boutique hotel for the final fling of our Borneo honeymoon.

Enveloped amid 11 acres of verdant rainforest, the resort was barely visible from our boat as we approached a small jetty. Padding along a wooden boardwalk, we were led through an open-sided reception offset by a natural waterfall, along a pearl white beachfront where treetop chalets peeked through dense foliage and through a wall-less restaurant where the jungle provided a stunning backdrop. Inspired by nature, the resort effortlessly blended into its surroundings.

Equally jaw-dropping was our Jungle Luxe Sarang Villa. Combining minimalist Asian elegance with modern chic, our spacious bedroom boasted acres of dark wood, an enormous bed, a flat screen TV and DVD player, a snug lounge corner and - rather quirkily – a ladder leading to a first floor gallery. Our large bathroom had all the expected luxury trimmings, while sliding doors led to a private deck featuring an open-air bathtub, rainforest shower, table and sun loungers. I was blown away.

The next 72 hours passed in a gentle rhythm of sublime idleness. Every morning, we woke to find a large lizard basking in the sun’s rays in a rock pool by our deck. For breakfast, we tucked into pancakes, cereals, toasts, yoghurts and tropical fruit cocktails as birds and butterflies flitted nearby. Under sunny skies, we spent hours swimming and snorkelling in clear, translucent seas. Despite the fact we had to gingerly pick our way over the exposed coral at low tide, I couldn't complain. The resort was a honeymooner’s dream; at times, we even had the entire beach to ourselves.

One afternoon, we tore ourselves away from JapaMala by booking a dive trip to Renggis Island. Although the health of the coral was poor in places, the marine life was thrilling. In just 50 minutes, I encountered a blacktip reef shark, blue spotted ray, a slack-jawed moray eel, a nonchalant green turtle as well as a myriad technicolour fish.

Back at the resort, we decided to indulge in the hotel's Samadhi Spa services. Opting for the Classic Thai Massage for couples, my husband and I lay side by side as we were pummelled and kneaded simultaneously on a private outdoor deck whilst an ocean breeze tickled our skin and the sun dipped into the horizon.

Sunset brought a magical sheen to JapaMala. Sweets were delivered to our veranda; candle light and fragrant oils suffused our villa and countless lanterns bathed the resort in a soft, golden glow.

For dinner, there were two options. The stylish, open-sided Tamarind Terrace Restaurant dotted with stone-carved Buddha statues offered an extensive Asian menu. One night, I dined on succulent, delicately spiced Vietnamese buttered tiger prawns cooked in a clay pot accompanied by vegetable fried rice.

However, the less formal Mandi-Mandi restaurant was hard to beat for its stilts-over-the-sea setting. Six well spaced tables, soft mattresses instead of chairs and discreet service enhanced the feeling of relaxed intimacy. Under a canopy of twinkling stars, my husband and I enjoyed our final night by tucking into a mouth-watering, freshly-caught lobster.

By the next afternoon when it was time to leave JapaMala, I knew I was well and truly smitten - and not just with my other half.

JapaMala Resort
Kampung Lanting, 86800 Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Tel: 6 (09) 419 7777
Website: www.japamalaresorts.com
Price: Jungle Luxe Sarang Villa from 750 Ringitt (£132) per room per night, with breakfast.

USA World Trade Center

USA World Trade Center


This famous crest of skyscrapers piled up the ones on the others at the southern end of Manhattan, in front of the monumental bay of Hudson, represents the visual quintessence of New York: the image merges with the city and it made the turn of the world. The twin towers or World Trade Center are the highest skyscrapers of New York with 420 meters. World Trade Center, conceived by the Japanese architect Minoru Yamasaki, built between 1966 and 1973, is a town of 43000 windows and 200000 m3 of glazed surfaces where work 50000 people and that cross each day a million individuals pulled by more than 200 elevators.

Sao tome-Principe

Sao tome-Principe

These sleepy islands boast
of deserted beaches,
rolling hills, jagged roc formations
and lush rain forests

Cyprus

Cyprus

Culturally European
but geographically almost
Middle Eastern

Norway

Norway

Norway has a ruggedly
beautiful frontier character,
with easy access to wild
outdoor country

EGYPT-Sphinx

EGYPT-Sphinx

The Sphinx is in fact the representation of Chephren, illustrated like a lion with human head, charged to taking care on its capped necropolis with a nemes with the uraeus of the forehead, it is cut in the rock, living eternally and forever the face turned towards the East. Firing practices with the cannon carried out at the Mameluke time, combined with the effect of wind erosion would be at the origin of the destruction of the nose of the Sphinx.