Despite economically difficult times, people’s desire to travel has not been dampened with an upward trend attributed to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries, according to World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

UNWTO predicts a growth of up to four percent in international tourism arrivals in 2013 as the global tourism industry proves resilient in the face of the current economic situation.

Consultancy company IPK International chief executive officer Rolf Freitag adding that never before have so many people travelled with more disposable money as this past year, in 2012.

According to UNWTO, in addition to the boost from the BRIC countries, emerging countries in Asia and the Americas in particular will contribute to this increase, while growth in Europe and North America is expected to grow at a more moderate pace.

Mr Freitag pointed out that 2013 has its challenges however, including the existing European debt crisis, drastic rises in energy costs and in some cases food costs that will impact significantly on the travel industry.