UNWTO releases latest edition of the Yearbook of Tourism Statistics

The latest edition of the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, was officially launched Thursday by Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli.

"We have now incorporated an easier to use format and improved layout that reflect the prestige of a book that continues to grow in stature in line with the ever increasing importance afforded to the tourism industry worldwide," said Antonio Massieu, the Organization's Chief of Statistics and Economic Measurement of Tourism.

This year's book includes new data on 206 countries and territories - among them nearly 50 non-members of UNWTO - with detailed information on the number of arrivals, how long visitors stay and their country of origin.

"Each year more countries are becoming involved with our statistics gathering, which means that the contents are expanding and improving with every edition," said Mr Massieu.

"The Yearbook is already a point of reference for major players involved in the tourism industry, from governments to plane-makers and consultancies to hoteliers. In improving the product, our aim is to make the publication easier to use and more attractive, opening up its use to an even wider audience."

As part of the new look, the book has been condensed from two soft-back volumes into a single hard-back of 902 pages that allows readers to compare easily key tourism data for the years 2000 to 2004.

Other features include the use of especially lightweight 'bible' paper that reduces its weight and offers improved resistance to ageing, and compliance with international archiving standards.

"These innovations make it more comfortable to use for librarians and readers alike," said UNWTO's Chief of Publications, Dr Dirk Glaesser.

The Yearbook was first published in 1947 and since coming under the control of UNWTO at its founding in 1975 has become one of the Organization's longest-running and most prestigious publications.

In those 30 years the number of countries and territories covered has grown from 38 to 150 in 1990 and now 206.

The 2006 Yearbook of Tourism Statistics is available the from UNWTO for EUR 175. All the texts are printed in three languages - English, French and Spanish.

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