April 22, 2010 | British Columbia

International travel spikes in 2010 thanks to events like 2010 FIFA World Cup

Vancouver, BC - April 22, 2010 - With the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics behind us, what's the next hot destination in world travel?

2010 FIFA World Cup

Tourism industry experts predict that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will draw an unprecedented number of globe trotters to Africa. The 2010 FIFA World Cup gets underway in South Africa on June 11, 2010. With 208 national teams, this event matches the 2008 Summer Olympics in drawing the most competing nations.

Asian and African Trip Destinations

Ten venue cities spread across the nation will host this event, which will showcase the rugged beauty of South Africa from mountains to seashore.

According to industry exports, exotic destinations close by in Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Arabian Gulf are also vying for the tourist dollar during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Tourist directors in Asian countries are already seeing a spike in tourism compared to 2009.

International Travel and Tourism

At the world's largest travel trade show in Berlin, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released a statement that international tourism was recovering at a stronger pace than initially expected for 2010. In March 2010, over 11,000 exhibitors gathered in Berlin for the International Tourism Bourse (ITB).

Optimism ran high at the show; by the end of 2010, UNWTO forecasts an increase of 3-4 per cent in international tourist arrivals, not just to South Africa, but to hot destination spots around the world.

Train for a career in travel and tourism! Fill out the form to your left for more information on CDI College's Travel and Tourism diploma program!