Unrest blow for tourism sector

Unrest across the Arab world cost the region more than 7.5 million tourists last year, it has been revealed.

Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen suffered the full brunt of the Arab Spring, while tourism also slowed down in Jordan, Bahrain and Lebanon due to the political and security crisis.

Holidaymakers instead opted to visit other countries in the region including Turkey, Greece, the UAE and Oman, said World Tourism Organisation (WTO) secretary-general Dr Taleb Rifai.

"This part of the world annually attracts 18 million tourists, and they are now coming back gradually," he added.

"The countries worst affected were Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen, which have a thriving tourism industry, but, to a lesser extent Jordan, Bahrain and Lebanon were also affected."