| Synopsis: |
As part of a series of annual reports which analyse trends in international tourism, this volume focuses on regional and subregional tourism flows and earnings through 2002 in the Middle East as a whole, and by individual country. It looks at arrivals, receipts, hotel capacity, and major source markets. During 2002, despite continuing turmoil in the region, the region produced a notable growth rate of 17 per cent, the highest regional rate in the world. This growth is particularly significant given that it reversed the previous year's decline of one per cent, and is largely due to the strength of the Middle Eastern intra-regional market. For the development of future growth in the tourism market in the region, major efforts are being made in the areas of product development (new accommodation capacity and facilities such as marinas and convention centres), marketing strategies, training and access issues. |