Carlson Wagonlit Travel's global sales volume for wholly owned operations and joint ventures grew by 7 percent year over year in 2008 to $27.8 billion

, the company reported. "Growth was strongest in China (25 percent), Brazil (24.5 percent) and Argentina (21 percent)," according to CWT. "Double-digit growth was also reported in Indonesia (19 percent), Italy (16 percent), Russia (16 percent), Singapore (12 percent), Germany/Austria (11 percent) and India (10 percent). U.K. sales outperformed the market, increasing 7 percent. U.S. sales were up 2 percent, reflecting the economic slowdown in 2008."