The Hong Kong Tourist Association, for instance, focuses some of its advertising on local people, stressing the economic benefits of making visitors feel welcome.

CNN: WHY VISIT THIS YEAR?

However, hotelier and member of Beddgelert Tourist Association in north Wales, Rae Duffield said the guide should be taken "with a pinch of salt".

BBC: Wales shrugs off 'lonely' tag

The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises reports that, in the first half of 2011, tourist arrivals increased by 13.9% (and revenues by 13.4%) over the same period in 2010.

ECONOMIST: Greek woes