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, “One 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.â€
Ian Jarrett
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.
































Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments
Overseas travelers to the United States declined by 2.5% in 2025