According to the World Tourism Organization, the "number of international tourist arrivals grew by 5% in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, approaching 500 million people." In the Mediterranean area, there are many differences though. Southern Europe is starting to retrieve its economic strength despite the economic crisis in the south Mediterranean region, which is in sharp decline due to political instability.
This summer’s tourist season has ignored the recession in Greece. June began with a bang when the income from Greek tourism increased by 21% (EUR 1.59 billion) compared to June 2012, according to the Greek Central Bank. The latter estimates an increase of 10 to 13% of the number of travelers in 2013 and believes that "in the future, tourism will be very favorable" supported by "a rising middle class in emerging markets," particularly in Turkey.

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