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€
