13 May 2009

International tourism still on the slide

MADRID - International tourism demand has deteriorated further due to the impact of the global economic recession.

International tourist arrivals declined at a rate of eight percent between January and February this year, leaving the overall volume at the same level as recorded in 2007.

Influenza A (H1N1) is also starting to affect the sector.

Preliminary UNWTO figures for the first months of 2009 indicate a continuation of the negative growth already experienced in the second half of 2008.

Northern, southern and Mediterranean Europe, North-East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East are amongst the most affected sub-regions.

Going against the negative trend are Africa and Central and South America,

In this context, UNWTO expects international tourism to decline between 2-3 percent in 2009.

Interim secretary-general Taleb Rifai stressed, ââ¬ÅâœOne of the major challenges amidst the current crisis is the imperative of not losing sight of the longer-term challenges of poverty alleviation, employment and climate change.ââ¬~

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