2010 brought more challenges for the tourism sector; economic uncertainty, natural disasters and political and social unrest threatened to weaken the recovery which began at the end of 2009. However, international tourism recovered strongly and faster than expected. International tourist arrivals increased by almost 7% to a record 940 million, while earnings from international tourism grew slightly slower at 5% to reach US$ 919 billion (euro 693 billion), a result of increased price competition and tendencies to travel closer to home and for shorter periods, common consumer behaviour in periods of recovery. All regions posted growth in both international tourist arrivals and receipts, with the exception of Europe where receipts stagnated in 2010.