Australia has been named amongst several destinations as having one of the 'best-ever performances' in terms of international tourism arrivals into the Asia Pacific region in 2006.  According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Statistical Report 2006 released today, there were 356 million international trips to PATA member destinations during the year, a 5.3% rise on 2005 figures.  Other top-performing destinations in the Pacific included the Cook Islands, Hawaii, NZ, Niue, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.  PATA director strategic intelligence centre John Koldowski said according to the report the region is also expected to attract up to 380 million international visitors in 2007.  "So far this year the region has added 13.8 million international visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2006, an expansion of 7.1% year-on-year," he said.

Koldowski also identified several major issues and trends affecting international travel flows to and within the region including the rise of jet fuel prices, climate change and the affects of new aircraft - A380 and Boeing 787, but he said assuming no external shocks, "PATA forecasts continued positive
performance, at least in the medium-term."