Global tourist arrivals are projected to decline in 2009 as economic recession is continuing its wicked game in almost every part of the world, particularly Europe.
According to the report from the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), for the first time since 2003, global tourist arrivals will decline in 2009, with Europe being the most severely affected region, as reported by guardian.co.uk.
The countries worldwide are expected to suffer a decline of up to 2% in tourist arrivals in 2009, as per UNWTO. In the later half of 2008, European market appeared dormant while Middle East recorded 11% growth. Meanwhile, Africa and Americas grew by 4%. On the other hand, tourism industry of the Asia-Pacific region slipped by 1% in the later half of 2008, after surging 6% in the first half.
The gloomy predictions are prompted by the constantly declining European economy. The figures suggest that officially, this is the worst recession being experienced by Britain in about three decades. Moreover, recession has left 3.2 Million people unemployed in Spain while the government of Iceland has failed to withstand the pressure and thus, has announced early elections.
Synchronizing with the uncertain economic picture, European tourism is reflecting unpredictable outlook for the present year. However, it’s clear that Europe will be the most severely affected region in 2009 as its major tourist destinations are either already experiencing or on the verge of entering recession.
Furthermore, industrial output and exports are facing sharp decline and banks are struggling hard for their survival, especially in Britain. Consequently, the prospects for current year are appearing grim.
Major economies of Europe have so far been able to escape the turbulence, but the European Commission is watching the developments closely. According to the International Monetary Fund, more turbulence could be expected in any country.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Tourism industry in Europe is struck by the global economic recession. It’s going to be a testing time for the European currencies as well as for the exchange rate that is heading in wrong direction. Further, it has become extremely tough for the people to bear tourism expenses. Resultantly, there will be a decline in international tourism receipts.”
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