Spain's tourism department reported an 8.7 per cent decline in number of foreign tourists during 2009. It is the second consecutive year for which less number of foreign tourists has been recorded. In 2008, a 2.3 per cent drop in tourism was noticed, which was the first negative growth over a decade.

In 2009, only 52.5 million foreign tourists visited Spain as compared to 57.4 million in 2008, due to which Spain has slipped down from its number two spot in the list of most visited country.

Secretary of State for Tourism, Joan Mesquida considered global economic slowdown as the main reason for the decline. He said that the government had expected a 10 per cent fall in tourism but a slight improvement in situation was recorded towards end of the year.

In a statement, Mr. Mesquida said that 2009 was quite complicated year for tourism, but they are hopeful about 2010 as Britain and Germany, main sources of tourism, have shown good economic recovery.

The country is also facing an increased competition form the Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Turkey and Egypt.

According to Spanish tourism ministry, 2,250,000 people were employed in tourism business last year, which account for 12 per cent of nation's workforce.