880 million travelers last year, this year to be better: UNWTO

Many countries all around the world saw dramatic drops in lucrative tourism dollars last year, with the global average recording a 4% drop in international travelers says the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

According to the latest figures 880 million arrivals were recorded by people travelling for business, leisure and other purposes, a 4% drop from 2008 figures.

Despite this drop, the UNWTO says it saw a marked upswing in the fourth quarter, without which the figures would have been worse. Subsequently it has deduced that 2010 will see a rebound to the effect of some three to four percent.

"The global economic crisis aggravated by the uncertainty around the A(H1N1) pandemic turned 2009 into one of the toughest years for the tourism sector," said Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General.

"However, the results of recent months suggest that recovery is underway, and even somewhat earlier and at a stronger pace than initially expected."

Breaking 2009 into quarters, the first quarter saw international arrivals shrink by 10%, the second quarter saw a smaller drop of 7%, while the third recorded a drop of 2%. In comparison, fourth quarter 2009 saw an upswing of 2 %.

These recent figures also back a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which stated that it was seeing a global recovery which was "significantly" faster than expected.

Source = e-Travel Blackboard: W.X
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The Krolan: a Landmark Production in Kratie, Cambodia

Krolan is one of local product in Kratie Province which is made of rice mixed with coconut and bean and cooked in the bamboo tubes. Kratie province is famous for Krolan, in particular Thmo Kreae Commune 10km north of Kratie.

This product has been significantly becoming a common job for people in the province and some families have been for more than half a century. If you travel across this province, you will see the Krolan is sold along roadside and waterfront in Kratie. This Krolan is also transported to Phnom Penh markets each day but it is cooked with more salt.

It can be kept up to two days without refrigeration. Making Krolan is good business since the 40 % of the cost come from the domestic supply and this business can contribute to poverty alleviation for people along the Mekong River.

More about attraction sites in Kratie province: http://www.tourismindochina.com/kratie-attractionsite.htm
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The Kratie Trail, Cambodia

Being a famous province for its rare Mekong River Dolphin that shelter in pool, Kratie is the southern gateway to Mekong discovery trail where you can experience different kinds of trails along the friendly sunset town. In town you can hire a horse car, bike, motorbike, or even walking to view the street landscape and buildings. When seeing some of the building in town you may remind of French colonial days when the town was the river port since the buildings appear in French architectural style.

Just 16 Km northern of the town you can visit Kampi pool, recognized as the famous landmark of the province for its rare fresh water Mekong River Dolphins, either from the boat tours or from the river bank. Along the trail you may be excited with magnificent river scenery and rural friendly villages. From Kratie Town you can take an excursion through a spectacular view and even stay overnight with families in more remote island village where you see different way of lives.

Home stay accommodation have been prepared in good mood to serve you with friendly environment. You will feel you wake up with fresh atmosphere and lightening natural harmony. Also when you are in Kratie do not forget to buy such a wide range of local product, including Krolan (sticky rice) which Kratie province is famous for. Help buying local product and make the Kratie trail mean a lot for poverty alleviation.

More about Kratie province: http://www.tourismindochina.com/kratie-attractionsite.htm

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