Asia Pacific enjoys record-breaking '06

Nearly 356 million international trips were made to Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) member destinations in 2006, with many seeing record-breaking performance, the association has revealed.

Figures from Pata show that the Asia Pacific region saw region-wide year-on-year growth of 5.3 per cent last year.

Destinations from all over the world achieved record tourism numbers, including Chile, India, Pakistan, China, Australia, Hawaii and New Zealand.

John Koldowski, director of Pata's strategic intelligence centre, said that the year so far has already seen 13.8 million more international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in Asia Pacific regions than the same period of 2006.

He added: "Since 2002, IVAs to and within Asia Pacific have grown at an average annual rate of 6.2 per cent.

"Assuming no external shocks, Pata forecasts continued positive performance, at least in the medium-term."

British travellers can visit Asia Pacific destinations from a number of hubs offering airport parking and airport hotels, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham.

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