France receives 6% fewer tourists in 2009

France, the world’s most visited country, received 6 percent fewer tourists in 2009 because of the economic crisis and unfavorable currency rates.

A total of 74 million visited France, down from 79 million in 2008, the Industry Ministry said in a report published today. With the euro trading at an average of $1.4, France struggled to attract U.S. tourists, who were 8 percent fewer. As the U.K. fell into its longest recession since World War II, 17 percent fewer Britons visited.

Tourism generated 6.4 percent of France’s gross domestic product, with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Mont Saint Michel attracting millions.

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