European Journal # Spain: Slump on La Costa # 22.07.2009

Spain is bracing for a disappointing tourist season. The government expects the number of foreign tourists to fall by 10 percent. Many British, German and French holidaymakers will be spending their vacations in their own countries this year - an economic disaster for Spain. After the crash in the construction and real estate sectors, now the country's second most important branch is in trouble. Experts reckon with the loss of 100,000 jobs. And Spain already has 19 percent unemployment - the worst rate in the entire European Union.