NICOSIA, Reuters- Cyprus's earnings from tourism continued on a downward slope, falling 16.7 percent in the first 10 months of 2009 as tourism arrivals slumped.
Tourism earnings represent about 11 percent of the east Mediterranean island's economy, which fell into recession in the second quarter of 2009.
Revenue from January until the end of October was estimated at 1.38 billion euros ($2.1 billion), down from 1.68 billion euros in the same period of 2008, the statistics department said on Friday.
In October, earnings fell 21.3 percent year-on-year, to 156 million euros from 198 million in October last year, as arrivals fell by 14 percent year-on-year last month.
Visitors from Israel and Belgium spent the most, at just under 110 euros per person per day.
British tourists -- the island's biggest market -- were the most frugal at just under 63 euros per day, reacting to a surge in the value of the euro against the pound over the past year that has made Cyprus a significantly more expensive destination for them.
