Madrid - The number of foreign tourists visiting Spain declined by 10 per cent in the first seven months of 2009, according to figures issued by the Industry Ministry on Friday.

Only 30.2 million tourists came to Spain, 10 per cent less than in the corresponding period in 2008.

Tourism from Britain and Germany, where most visitors to Spain come from, went down by 16 and 10 per cent respectively.

Tourism was, however, picking up gradually after being affected by the global crisis, the figures indicated. (dpa)