[16/May/2011]

SANA'A, May 16 (Saba)- A government report has indicated an increase in tourist income during 2010 by about US$ 347 million to hit US$ 1,161 million, an increase of 28%.

The report, issued by the Ministry of Tourism, showed that the number of foreign tourists coming to Yemen increased in the same period by about 102000 tourists, an increase of 24%, while the number of Yemeni expatriates coming to their homeland in this period rose by about 105000, say a decline of 18%.

The total tourist arrivals to Yemen in 2010, reached 1,247,062 compared to 948,118 tourists in 2007.

The report pointed out that the number of foreign tourists last year made up 52% of the total number of incoming tourism to Yemen.

It also said the number of tourist nights spent by tourists in 2010 increased to 4,716,458 representing an increase of 40%, compared to 2009.

The report showed that 72% of the foreign tourists in Yemen came from the Middle East, followed by tourists from Asia.

In light of the ongoing political crisis and the security instability, the tourism sector is expected to experience significant declines in its activities.

YA

Saba