[Travel behavior of the Austrians -- review and future trends]

In the past decades, international travel has expanded exponentially and therefore its economic significance has increased. This development has been made possible purely by the enormous increase in scheduled and charter flights. Travel frequency has also increased among practically all age groups. The manifold travel destinations extend virtually to the whole globe. Europe has been able to maintain its status as premier destination for tourists. Europe has a 50% share of the global income from international travel. The clear up-swing of the travel branch in the year 2002 could not be continued in 2003. The desire to travel was present, but the trend to short travel has continued. Three years after the events of 11 September 2001, experts again expect an increase in travel frequency and intensity on the part of European tourists for the next years. The World Tourism Organisation prognosticates an enormous growth in international tourist arrivals up to 2020. Despite continuing globalization, international tourism will continue to take place primarily within the individual regions of the world.