Tourist figures fell by almost 9% in 2009

Tourist numbers fell by 8.7 % in Spain throughout last year as a result of the recession – a drop four times that of the previous year - 2008, which was the first year in which holidaymaker figures had fallen for many years.

However Spain as a whole still attracted 52.2 million tourists arriving for their holidays, according to research by the ministry of industry, tourism and commerce.

The Brits remain top of the list for Spain's largest number of foreign holidaymakers, although numbers fell from 15.5 million in 2008 to 13.3 million in 2009.

The Germans were the second-largest group, accounting for nine million visitors – a fall of 11.3% on the year before and France represented eight million of Spain's international holidaymakers, a drop of 2.9% on the 2008's figures.

The average holidaymaker spent 922 euros on their trip to Spain, including accommodation, food and souvenirs – some 6.8 % less than the previous year.

Over 50 % of Spain's tourism figures last year was made up of people travelling from other parts of the country, rather than abroad.

This year, the central government is set to hand over 72 million euros to the regional governments of the Comunidad Valenciana, Andalucía, the Balearic and Canary Islands in order for them to improve infrastructure and facilities to promote both tourism and employment.