Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes.

The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes. Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2007, there were over 903 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 6.6% as compared to 2006. International tourist receipts were USD 856 billion in 2007.

Despite the uncertainties in the global economy, international tourist arrivals during the first four months of 2008 followed a similar growth trend than the same period in 2007.[4] However, as a result of the economic crisis of 2008, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months, while growth from January to April 2008 had reached an average 5.7% compared to its 2007 level. Growth from 2006 to 2007 was only 3.7%, as total international tourism arrivals from January to August were 641 million tourists, up from 618 million in the same period in 2007. Hunziker and Krapf, in 1941, defined tourism as people who travel "the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, insofar as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity. The United Nations classified three forms of tourism in 1994, in its "Recommendations on Tourism Statistics: Domestic tourism", which involves residents of the given country traveling only within this country; Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country; and Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country

World tourism statistics and rankings

[edit] Most visited countries
Main article: World Tourism rankings The World Tourism Organization reports the following ten countries as the most visited in 2007 by number of international travelers. When compared to 2006, Ukraine entered the top ten list, surpassing Russia, Austria and Mexico. Most of the top visited countries continue to be on the European continent. International tourist arrivals (2007)[4] International tourist arrivals (2006)[8]

Rank

Country

UNWTO Regional Market

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

France Spain United States China Italy

Europe Europe North America Asia Europe

81.9 million 59.2 million 56.0 million 54.7 million 43.7 million 30.7 million 24.4 million 23.1 million 22.2 million 21.4 million

79.1 million 58.5 million 51.1 million 49.6 million 41.1 million 30.7 million 23.6 million 18.9 million 18.9 million 21.4 million

United Kingdom Europe Germany Ukraine Turkey Mexico Europe Europe Europe North America

International tourism receipts

International tourist receipts were USD 96.7 billion in 2007, up from USD 85.7 billion in 2006. When the export value of international passenger travel receipts is accounted for, total receipts in 2007 reached a record of USD 1.02 trillion or 3 billion a day.[4] The World Tourism Organization reports the following countries as the top ten tourism earners for the year 2007. It is noticeable that most of them are on the European continent, but the United States continues to be the top earner. UNWTO Regional Market International Tourism Receipts International Tourism Receipts

Rank

Country

(2007)[4] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 United States Spain France Italy China North America Europe Europe Europe Asia $96.7 billion $57.8 billion $54.2 billion $42.7 billion $41.9 billion $37.6 billion $36.0 billion $22.2 billion $18.9 billion $18.5 billion

(2006)[8] $85.7 billion $51.1 billion $46.3 billion $38.1 billion $33,9 billion $33.7 billion $32.8 billion $17.8 billion $16.6 billion $16.9 billion

United Kingdom Europe Germany Australia Austria Turkey Europe Oceania Europe Europe

[edit] International tourism top spenders

The World Tourism Organization reports the following countries as the top ten biggest spenders on international tourism for the year 2007. For the fifth year in a row, German tourists continue as the top spenders.[4] A study by Dresdner Bank[9] forecasts that for 2008, Germans and Europeans, in general, will continue to be the top spenders, because of the strength of the Euro against the United States dollar, with strong demand for the U.S. in favor of other destinations.[10]

Rank

Country

UNWTO Regional Market

International Tourism Expenditures (2007)[4] $82.9 billion $76.2 billion $72.3 billion $36.7 billion $29.8 billion $27.3 billion $26.5 billion $24.8 billion $22.3 billion $20.9 billion

International Tourism Expenditures (2006)[8] $73.9 billion $72.1 billion $63.1 billion $31.2 billion $24.3 billion $23.1 billion $26.9 billion $20.5 billion $18.2 billion $18.9 billion

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Germany United States

Europe North America

United Kingdom Europe France China Italy Japan Canada Russia South Korea Europe Asia Europe Asia North America Europe Asia

[edit] Most visited attractions

Forbes Traveller released a ranking of the world's 50 most visited tourist attractions in 2007, including both international and domestic tourists.[11] The following are the Top 10 attractions, followed by some other famous sites included within the list of the 50 most visited:[12] It is noticeable that four out of the top five are in North America.

Most visited attractions by domestic and international tourists in 2007[11] Top 10 ranking tourist attractions

World's ranking

Tourist attraction

Location

Country

Number of visitors (millions)

Times Square

New York City

United States

35

National Mall and Memorial Washington, D.C. Parks

United States

25

Magic Kingdom

Lake Buena Vista, Orlando

United States

16.6

Trafalgar Square

London

United Kingdom

15

Disneyland

Anaheim, California

United States

14.7

Niagara Falls

Ontario & New York

Canada & United States

14

Fisherman's Wharf & Golden Gate

San Francisco, California

United States

13

Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo Tokyo DisneySea

Japan

12.9

Notre Dame de Paris

Paris

France

12

10

Disneyland Paris

Paris

France

10.6

Other selected famous destinations

11

Great Wall of China

Badaling

China

10

15

Louvre

Paris

France

7.5

18

Eiffel Tower

Paris

France

6.7

24

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong

China

5.2

28

Universal Studios

Los Angeles

United States

4.7

31

Grand Canyon

Arizona

United States

4.4

36

Statue of Liberty

New York City

United States

4.24

37

Vatican City

Vatican City

Vatican City

4.2

38

Sydney Opera House

Sydney

Australia

39

The Colosseum

Rome

Italy

42

Empire State Building

New York City

United States

44

London Eye

London

United Kingdom

3.5

47

Giza Pyramids

Cairo

Egypt

50

Taj Mahal

Agra

India

2.4

[edit] Most visited cities

Euromonitor released a ranking of the world's 150 most visited cities by international tourists in 2007.[13] The following are the leading 15 cities, according to Euromonitor's ranking:

Most visited cities by international tourists in 2007[13] Top 15 ranking cities

Ranki ng

City

Numbe Numbe r of r of Countr intl. Ranki Count intl. Ranki City y visitors ng ry visitors ng (millio (millio ns) ns)

City

Number of Countr intl. y visitors (million s)

Unit ed London 15.34 Kingdo m

New Un York ited City States

7.65

11

Barcelo Spa na in

5.04

Hong Kong

Chi na

12.05

Toron Ca to nada

6.63

12

Seoul

Sou th Korea

4.99

Un 3 Bangko Thai 10.84 k land 8 ited Dubai Arab Emirat es 6.54 13 Shangh Chi ai na 4.80

Singapo Sing 10.28 re apore

Istanb Tu ul rkey

6.45

14

Dublin

Irel and

4.63

Paris

Fran

8.76

10

Rome

Ital

6.12

15

Kuala

Ma

4.40

ce

Lumpur laysia

HSTORY: Wealthy people have always traveled to distant parts of the world, to see great buildings, works of art, learn new languages, experience new cultures and to taste different cuisines. Long ago, at the time of the Roman Republic, places such as Baiae, were popular coastal resorts for the rich. The word tourism was used by 1811 and tourist by 1840.

Leisure travel
Leisure travel was associated with the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom the first European country to promote leisure time to the increasing industrial population.[citation needed] Initially, this applied to the owners of the machinery of production, the economic oligarchy, the factory owners and the traders.

Mass tourism
Mass tourism could only have developed with the improvements in technology, allowing the transport of large numbers of people in a short space of time to places of leisure interest, so that greater numbers of people began to enjoy the benefits of leisure time.

Adjectival tourisms
See also: List of adjectival tourisms Adjectival tourism refers to the numerous niche or specialty travel forms of tourism that have emerged over the years, each with its own adjective. Many of these have come into common use by the tourism industry and academics.[citation needed] Others are emerging concepts that may or may not gain popular usage. Examples of the more common niche tourism markets include:
1. Culinary tourism 2. Dark tourism 3. Disaster tourism 4. Ecotourism 5. Heritage tourism 6. LGBT tourism 7. Medical tourism 8. Nautical tourism 9. Sex tourism 10. Space tourism 11. War tourism

Medical tourism
Main article: Medical tourism When there is a significant price difference between countries for a given medical procedure, particularly in Southeast Asia, India, Eastern Europe and where there are different regulatory regimes, in relation to particular medical procedures (e.g. dentistry), travelling to take advantage of the price or regulatory differences is often referred to as "medical tourism".

Educational tourism
Educational tourism developed, because of the growing popularity of teaching and learning of knowledge and the enhancing of technical competency outside of the classroom environment.[citation needed] In educational tourism, the main focus of the tour or leisure activity includes visiting another country to learn about the culture, such as in Student Exchange Programs and Study Tours, or to work and apply skills learned inside the classroom in a different environment, such as in the International Practicum Training Program. GROWTH
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts that international tourism will continue growing at the average annual rate of 4 %.[24] By 2020 Europe will remain the most popular destination, but its share will drop from 60% in 1995 to 46%. Long-haul will grow slightly faster than intraregional travel and by 2020 its share will increase from 18% in 1995 to 24% Tourism in pakistan: Although Pakistan has a huge image-problem around the world, tourism is still a growing industry in Pakistan, based on its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes. [1] The variety of attractions range from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in field and winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2[2]. The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great. The romance of the North West Frontier Province is timeless and legendary. In the Punjab is the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the prime minister launched "Visit Pakistan 2007

Famous Landmarks

Minar-e-Pakistan (Tower of Pakistan), Lahore.

Badshahi Masjid (Emperor's Mosque), Lahore. Shalimar Gardens, Lahore. Skardu Hiran Minar, sheikhupura. Takht Bhai a Buddhist Monastic Complex, Mardan Ancient city of Taxila. Ancient city of Harappa. Ancient city of Moenjodaro. K2, second tallest mountain in the world, Northern Areas. Bhong Mosque, Rahim Yar Khan Nanga Parbat, one of the tallest and hardest mountain in the world to climb, Northern Areas. Wagha Border, Kasur. Faisal Mosque, Islamabad. Mausoleum of Quaid, Karachi.

[edit] List of Popular Tourist Places

Islamabad: Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills, the pass of ancient kings from Europe, Central Asia and Iran, Simly Dam, Rawal Lake, Azad Kashmir: Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch Balochistan: Ziarat, Bolan Pass, Mehrgarh, Khojak Pass Federally Administered Tribal Areas & Northern Areas: Chakdara, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Lowari Pass, Drosh, Chitral, Garam Chashma, Kohistan District, Besham, Pakistan, Chilas, Astore Valley, Nanga Parbat, Gilgit, Parri Bangla, Naltar Valley,BagrotHaramosh Valley,Juglot, Gashoo Pahoot,Rama Ishkoman, Yasin Valley, Ghizar, Baltistan, Skardu, Deosai National Park, Shigar, Khapalu Biafo glacier,Sadpar lack ,Shangrilla,K2 base camp,K7,Broad Peak,Braqthok khaplu,Gondogoro-laa, Masherbrum,Hunza, Nagar, Gojal, Chalt, Aliabad, Karimabad, Altit Fort, Gulmit, Passu, Sost, Khunjerab Pass NWFP: Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Mardan, Swat, Mingora, Saidu Sharif, Shangla District, Kalam valley, Haripur, Tarbela Dam, Havelian, Abbottabad, Thandiani, Mansehra, Kaghan Valley, Batagram Punjab: Murree, Cholistan Desert, Uch Sharif, Multan, Harappa, Pakpattan, Lahore, Fort Munro, Panjnad, Salt Range, Rohtas Fort, Taxila, Lal Suhanra National Park Sindh: Karachi, Mohenjo-daro, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif,Gorakh Hill, Manchhar Lake, Kot Diji, Kalri Lake, Bhambore, Thatta, Chaukundi Tombs, Makli Hill, Gateway of Pakistan, Haliji Lake, Kher Thar National Park, Hostorical City Thatto and Keti Bandar, Shahbandar,Jani Bandar, Bhanbhor. Gidu Bandar.

Malysia: is a country in South-East Asia, located partly on a peninsula of the Asian mainland and partly on the northern third of the island of Borneo. West Malaysia shares a border with

Thailand, is connected by a causeway and a bridge (Malaysia-Singapore Second Link) to the island state of Singapore, and has coastlines on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca. East Malaysia (Borneo) shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia. The government agency in charge of promoting tourism in Malaysia is Tourism Malaysia or the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB)[1]. In 2005, tourism accounted for 7% of Malaysia's economy.

Cities

Kuala Lumpur - the de jure capital of Malaysia.

o o
Petronas Twin Towers - World's tallest twin towers and third and fourth tallest singular towers, standing adjacent to one of the busiest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC. Golden Triangle (Bukit Bintang and Imbi) - Kuala Lumpur's busiest commercial district containing five-star hotels, restaurants to high-end shopping malls.

George Town - the political capital of Penang. George Town is one of two cultural World Heritage Sites in Malaysia.
o
Gurney Drive - a popular seafront promenade, filled with condominiums and hotels. It is one of the busiest streets in Penang.

Ipoh - capital of Perak, famous for its Chinese food, tin mines and limestone mountains and caves. Alor Star - capital of Kedah, the state of the Paddy fields. Johor Bahru - capital of Johor, and gateway to Singapore. Kangar - capital of Perlis, and gateway to Thailand. Kota Kinabalu - capital of Sabah, and the largest city in East Malaysia. Kota Bahru - capital of Kelantan. Kuala Terengganu - capital of Terengganu, famous for the penyu (turtles) and beaches. Kuantan - capital of Pahang, noted for its many beaches. Kuching - capital of Sarawak, the Cat City of Malaysia. Melaka - a historical city in Malaysia. This is the other cultural World Heritage Site in Malaysia. Miri - the resort city of Sarawak is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mulu caves and numerous magnificent tourism attractions. Seremban - the capital of Negeri Sembilan, and the nearest cities to Port Dickson. Putrajaya - the administrative centre of Malaysia, known for its lavish buildings, bridges and man-made lakes. Petaling Jaya - a satellite city located in the state of Selangor, and is in the proximity of Kuala Lumpur. It has the most commercial complexes in Malaysia.

Beside the main cities, there other town and places in Malaysia offer some special tourist attraction. Such as in Taiping, Perak for their landscape and local attraction. Teluk Intan for their Leaning tower. Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands and Bukit Tinggi in Pahang for a cool climate. Muar in Johor is famous for its food. Miri is the official tourism-city and resort city of Sarawak and Sibu in Sarawak is famous for its landscape and parks.

[edit] Islands and Beaches

Malaysia has several tropical islands, some of which have been voted the most beautiful in the world. Some of the islands in Malaysia are:

Labuan Langkawi Pangkor Penang Island, the western half of Penang, which is heavily industrialised Redang Island Tenggol Island Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park Perhentian Islands Kapas Island Tenggol Island Lang Tengah Island Rantau Abang Beach Mabul Sipandan

[edit] National parks and nature reserves

Bako National Park, Sarawak - famed for its wildlife, especially bearded pigs and proboscis monkeys Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak Endau Rompin National Park, Johor Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak Kinabalu National Park, Sabah - home of 4100 metre peak Mount Kinabalu. Kubah National Park, Sarawak Taman Negara National Park - the self-proclaimed World's Oldest Rainforest, spanning Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu