While much of the world sank into economic gloom over the past two years, Germany has been Europe’s bulwark against worse trouble.

The Japanese economy rolled up its sleeves in 2010 to show that the only way really was up. That financial robustness, combined with a notable long-haul pleasure travel market potential of 18.1 million, led to a serious rebound in overnight trip arrivals last year.

While most of the world struggled to emerge from the recessionary fog, Australia carried on unperturbed, posting regular economic growth in 2010.

US travellers answered the call of the north in November 2010.