15 December 2005 Asia grows in popularity
Asia is fast becoming one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, according to the latest North American Free Trade Association [NAFTA] Quarterly.
The report also found that all three NAFTA economies - US, Canada and Mexico - have seen a decline in their relative popularity as a tourist destination.
According to the report, Asia's travel receipts for 2004 surpassed the US for the first time ever and now claims just over 19 per cent of the global tourism market. China alone has experienced a quadrupling of its share of global travel receipts in the past decade.
"The growing popularity of 'emerging' tourism markets in part reflects changing consumer tastes and demographics," commented Adrienne Warren, senior economist at Scotia Economics.
Given that tourism markets in most of the richest nations are generally better developed, while those in developing economies are often at infant stages, these diverging growth trends will likely continue," Ms Warren added.
NAFTA anticipates that a moderation of global growth could reduce the international travel spending plans of both business and leisure travellers.
Fears of an avian flu pandemic may also temper travel plans, although the group expects the relative popularity of destinations in Asia to remain high. 
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