Visitors down 9.5 percent in September

THE number of foreign tourists visiting Spain was 9.5 percent lower in September than the same month a year earlier at 5.1 million, roughly in line with the average decline suffered by the industry this year, central government data showed yesterday.

Arrivals were down 9.8 percent during the first nine months of the year, with two of Spain's main markets, Britain and Germany, particularly hard hit, the Industry Ministry said.

The number of Britons visiting fell by 15.7 percent from January to September, as the recession combined with the weak pound to sap their purchasing power. German arrivals fell by 11.6 percent.

Tourism is Spain's second-largest industry, accounting for roughly 15 percent of gross domestic product. Apart from recession, Spain has also suffered from increased competition in recent years from cheaper destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Majorcan Hotel Federation also reported yesterday that September was the worst month of the year to date with bookings down by 11.2 on last year.