UN: Tourist visits in Middle East decline 6% in 2009.

By bne IntelliNews January 21, 2010
According to a report by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the tourist visits in the Middle East region declined by 6% last year. However, figures began to recover in H2 of the year and a return to positive growth is expected in 2010, the report said. Business research company Monitor International said earlier in a report forecast 2% drop in Middle East 's tourism, but said the industry is to recover and grow in 2010 and 2011. International tourist arrivals for business, leisure and other purposes are estimated to have declined worldwide by 4% in 2009 to USD 880mn, UNWTO said adding that global tourism was forecast to grow by3-4% in 2010.

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