2014 forecasts look good for Europe. Initial forecasts for the tourism industry in Europe are optimistic, with a new bumper year expected for 2014. According to the European Tourism Board 2014-Trends & Prospects published by the European Tourism Commission (ETC), European tourism will experience its fifth consecutive year of growth in 2014, with the first quarter of the year on a par with performance registered in 2013 (+5% compared to 2012). The study is forecasting particularly good performances in Germany and the United Kingdom in terms of tourism demand. Demand from Spain, Italy and the Netherlands is expected to bounce back, despite consumers in these countries tending to prefer last-minute holidays in an effort to save money. Demand from Russia is also expected to be particularly strong, although uncertainties regarding Ukraine are preventing experts from making any exact forecasts. In terms of long-distance travel, journeys from the US will continue to increase significantly in a context of economic growth and renewed consumer confidence. Chinese demand is expected to register a two-figure increase and constantly rising demand. (IL)