MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tourism industry prefers Latinamerica to US

North America for second consecutive year continued to lose tourist trade which was mostly absorbed by the Caribbean, Central and South America, according to the president of the World Tourism Organization Americas Committee.

Guillermo Alvarado in an interview with a Spanish tourism magazine indicated that the September 11/01 terrorist attacks have been crucial in diverting tourists to Latinamerica and prospects for the coming 2004/05 season are equally or more encouraging.

In effect, the strong Euro compared to the US dollar is turning Americans to other destinations where they are not so affected by the exchange rate.

Besides "for a European travelling to Latinamerica 1,000 Euros represent 1,275 US dollars", which for any South American or Caribbean tour represents an excellent package of three days, said Mr. Alvarado.

The president of the Americas Tourism Committee also underlined the importance of having the World Tourism Organization, WTO incorporated to the United Nations.

"WTO will help Latinamerica achieve a sustainable development by promoting infrastructure, planning and good environmental practices", argued Mr. Alvarado.

The tourist industry in Latinamerica has benefited rural areas with improvements in water supply, electricity and road system but "employment will receive a strong boost as the industry develops further".

"Americans, Canadians Mexicans are flocking to Central America and the Caribbean given the proximity, improved services and money value".

Regarding Latinamerica, "overall it's mainly a domestic market but forecasted to expand with the Americans and the many Latinamericans that for cost reasons will not be travelling to Europe".

Finally Mr. Alvarado said Latinamerica has many areas to keep developing in the tourism industry such as rural, wild life and big events.