The international tourism market experienced growth during the last quarter of 2009, according to the World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) latest World Tourism Barometer.

International tourist arrivals for business, leisure and other purposes are estimated to have fallen by 4 per cent worldwide in 2009 to 880 million, which is a slight improvement on previous estimates, thanks to a 2 per cent upswing in the last quarter of the year. Arrivals fell 10 per cent, 7 per cent and 2 per cent respectively during the first three quarters.

Asia Pacific and the Middle East led the recovery, with growth already turning positive in both regions in the second half of 2009.

“The global economic crisis, aggravated by the uncertainty around the A(H1N1) pandemic, turned 2009 into one of the toughest years for the tourism sector”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“However, the results of recent months suggest that recovery is underway, and even somewhat earlier and at a stronger pace than initially expected”, he added.

UNWTO forecasts a growth in international tourist arrivals of between 3 per cent and 4 per cent in 2010.

The report also said that by region, Asia is expected to continue showing the strongest rebound, while Europe and the Americas are likely to recover at a more moderate pace. Growth is expected to return to the Middle East, while Africa will “continue its positive trend benefiting from the extra boost provided by the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa”.