For the first time since statistical data has been collected on international tourism, the year 2009 exhibited a decline in the number of outbound trips taken throughout the world – this global figure dropping by a total of – 4%.The downturn can be primarily attributed to the global financial and economic crisis.
European and American overseas destinations were hit the hardest by this global decline; Europe by – 6% and America by – 5%.
Recording a – 2% decline, Asian destinations were somewhat less impacted.
Meanwhile, African destinations managed to post a plus figure of 5%, although based on a comparatively lower travel
volume.
