“Just as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and 9/11 caused widespread disruption to the tourism industry, so the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004 has severely affected tourism to many popular holiday destinations in the region. Countries that rely on tourism for a significant proportion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are facing a double blow to their economies. One has been caused by the effects of the tsunami on the population and infrastructure, and the second from a severe drop in revenue that they would otherwise earn from tourism. As the world currently unites in its effort to bring aid to those regions devastated by the tsunami, tourism has become a focus of attention for those trying to rebuild the economies of the devastated areas in the long-term.

About the market…

“Just as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and 9/11 caused widespread disruption to the tourism industry, so the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004 has severely affected tourism to many popular holiday destinations in the region. Countries that rely on tourism for a significant proportion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, are facing a double blow to their economies. One has been caused by the effects of the tsunami on the population and infrastructure, and the second from a severe drop in revenue that they would otherwise earn from tourism. As the world currently unites in its effort to bring aid to those regions devastated by the tsunami, tourism has become a focus of attention for those trying to rebuild the economies of the devastated areas in the long-term.

This report examines the potential for sustainable tourism in both the developed and developing world, and provides details on efforts currently being taken by international organisations and travel and tourism companies to place tourism in the context of local, national and international efforts for sustainable development.”

About Mintel’s report…

Travel & Tourism Analyst provides an examination of the travel industry, sector by sector, focusing on all the latest transport, accommodation and technology issues and highlighting developing outbound travel trends and niche markets.

Combining the latest tourism data from the most authoritative sources and Mintel’s own unique, independent analysis, it provides a level of market-explanation that can help create focused marketing and shape effective tourism policy at the highest level.