PATA Research Shows "Open Skies" Benefits

International tourism among countries that have deregulated their air-service agreements has increased an average of 12 to 35 percent, according to a report issued by the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The new report, "Economic Impact of Air Service Liberalization," also predicts that liberalizing an additional 320 routes not currently operating in an open-skies environment would generate travel growth of almost 63 percent, compared with typical global growth of 6 to 8 percent. The study was conducted by InterVISTAS, an independent research group. It was sponsored by PATA; other global travel organizations including the International Air Traffic Association, the World Travel and Tourism Council and the US-ASEAN Business Council; and PATA member Boeing.