CAIRO: Though rising gas prices and concerns about the global economy may cause many to be more conservative when opening their wallets, tourists are not willing to cut back on their vacations just yet. Recent figures by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer indicate that travelers are still packing their bags and heading to other parts of the world in even greater numbers than before. International tourism has increased 5 percent overall in the first four months of this year, dipping slightly from its 7 percent overall growth rate of the last four years. Benefiting from a stronger global economy, 2003 to 2007 saw unprecedented growth in tourism, and despite the current economic slump the number of tourists venturing abroad is expected to continue to increase. Tourists have not only been traveling more frequently, they've also been traveling to more diverse locations. Tour providers in the United States have noted that travelers now prefer vacation packages that are both educational and fun, and some choose to take language or other classes during their trip, reported The Washington Post. This expanded interest may be leading travelers to locations in the Middle East, North-East and South Asia, and Central and South America, where UNWTO has said growth has been the greatest. Egypt was among the countries with the largest percent increase, reaching double digit growth rates along with Bahrain and Morocco. Egypt has seen a steady increase in the number of tourists during recent years, reaching 9.7 million in the 2006/2007 period from 8.6 million the year before. Though this year's overall international growth is predicted to slow during the remainder of the year, UNWTO expects there will continue be a positive increase. By 2011, Egypt hopes to receive 14 million tourists in accordance with a plan by Tourism Minister Zoheir Garana.
