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Jun 27 2008
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France retains European tourism crown |
Holiday villas in France were likely to have seen a rise in visitors last year as the country retained its position as Europe's top tourist destination, according to the European Travel Commission (ETC).
The commission's figures for 2007 show that France saw a four per cent year-on-year increase in visitors, which was in line with the rate of growth achieved in Italy.
Spain continued to prove popular, with a two per cent increase in its number of international arrivals.
Overall, the number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Europe increased by between four and five per cent last year, which exceeded the forecast made by the UN World Tourism Organisation.
The ETC said that these figures were "particularly impressive" as there were few major events in Europe last year. The main draws were the rugby World Cup in France and the America's Cup in Spain, which provided plenty of entertainment for people on villa holidays.
Looking forward, the commission said that forecasts remain "fairly bullish", with 2008 starting well, particularly in the winter sports destinations of Austria and France.
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