The World Travel Market’s Global Report 2004-5 (WTMGR) on tourism has revealed that the industry is in line for a double figure growth in the number of inbound tourists in 2004 – for the first time in 20 years.

Following two years of decline in the industry, the report shows a 12 per cent rise in inbound travel for the eight months to 31 August 2004 – a figure that is expected to remain above the 10 per cent mark until the end of the year.

Much of the growth was attributed to the poor comparative figures of 2003 as well as the regained confidence of US travellers, as the number of outbound trips from the US increased by 8 per cent on 2003 to 58.5 million – inching closer to the peak of 60.9 million experienced in 2000.

The report also revealed that at a time when security issues feature heavily on operators’ and governments’ future plans for tourism initiatives worldwide, many air travellers are more concerned with services and affordability.

According to the report, nearly a quarter of business travellers would fly more often if they were guaranteed upgrades and over a third would be tempted by cheaper fares.

Only 3 per cent of those polled were concerned about onboard security, although the Middle East is still seen as an undesirable destination by many with only 30 per cent saying they were comfortable flying to the region.

Commissioned from IPK International, the report was organised in co-operation with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), the European Travel Commission (ETC), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the US Department of Commerce.

Dawid de Villiers, deputy secretary of WTO, said: “It appears that tourism business is very much back to normal and we expect to see that trend reinforced in the year to come.

“We knew that prospects for 2004 were good, but the strength of the rebound surprised us. We are confident the tourism sector is back on the right track after three difficult years.”

Although overall positive, the report highlighted the troubles experienced by the aviation industry. It claims airlines are set to make losses of $4bn during 2004, caused primarily by the soaring price of oil.

Estimates by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), show that every additional $0.01 increase in the price of jet fuel adds over $500m in industry costs.

The WTMGR was published at the 2004 World Travel Market, being held at London’s ExCel exhibition centre between 8-11 November.