During 2011 the tourism industry suffered a considerble amount from an unstable world economy and various natural disasters. So, whats the outlook for 2012? Is the recovery of the tourist industry likely?

In 2011 the tourism industry went through numerous ups and downs. Many emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East contribute to an increase in the total number of international arrivals. Travel tours to Europe and North America however, have just shown moderate growth.
After the earthquake and subsequent tsunami disaster, Japan is trying its best to reestablish its tourism industry. There have been many policies passed by the government to help stimulate the overall economy with a particular focus on the tourism industy. Japan’s efforts seem to have been worth their while as tourists steadily beginning to increase after the country was required to strive to regain its status as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia in wake of the tsunami.
South Korea, China, Germany and Mexico are counted among the most visited countries in 2011 while Spain and Greece have seen a decrease in the number of visitors.

2011 has been a year of major economic concern, major economies have suffered recession and with little end in sight, cuts in government spending and shakey markets have resulted in people being a bit more careful with their money and what they spend it on. From the ongoing European financial crisis to the slowing down of US growth. The world big spenders in the tourism sector include Russia as well as China and Brazil, two new major economic players. It is predicted that China will become another hot tourist attraction in 2012, not only in the Asian tourism sector but globally . India is another country which has a considerably brighter future in terms of attracting tourists.

Social media and mobile technology promise to change the outlook of tourism this year. In the age of smartphones, surfing and accessing emails on the go has become the norm and many travel companies are becoming wise and seeing the potential that tapping ino this market has. This is increasing their overall numbers of sales and booking. Destination timetables, weather information and updated flight information is also readily availabable and at the travellers finger tips at the push of a butto.
2012 promises to be a year that will see a tremendous increase in the tourism industry, both in the number of tours as well as expenditure of tourists. With new technology, the face of the tourism industry may be changed forever.

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