Statistics for European travel show drastic decreases in most countries. With unemployment figues rising, people are worried about spending their money on luxury services such as travel. Those reliant upon tourism for their livelihood are struggling to survive. Many central and Eastern European countries have suffered double digit declines in tourism and Europe as a whole has had a decline of 8% in revenue from tourism since the turn of the year.
Experts predict, however, that 2010 will show gradual increases in European travel. Tourists and consumers alike are heavily influenced by what the media portrays in the news. If people are continually led to believe that they should save their money because of continued economic uncertain then the tourism industry will take longer to recover. On the other hand, if suggestions are made that the recession is ending then tourism is likely to expand once again in Europe.