Turnover index for transport, tourism and ICT, Q4 2010, preliminary figures

The financial crisis particularly disrupted freight transport. For instance, the group Sea and coastal freight water transport reported a drop in turnover of 14 per cent from 2008 to 2009. The trend reversed in 2010, as turnover grew by 5.0 per cent from the year before. Figures for freight transport by road over this period reveal a similar story.

Steady growth for ICT

The section Information and communication fared better during the financial crisis, and continued to prosper last year. In total, turnover in these industries increased by 1.1 per cent from 2009 to 2010. Growth in this period was strongest for information service, programming and broadcasting activities. In contrast, the negative trend for publishing activities continued, as a drop in turnover of 3.6 per cent in 2009 was followed by a further decrease of 0.8 per cent last year.

Tourism in recovery

Growth returned in 2010 for establishments offering accommodation. After a 5.0 per cent drop in 2009, turnover for hotels increased last year by 2.3 per cent. 2010 was also a good year for restaurants and mobile food service activities, with turnover up 4.9 per cent from the previous year.

Continued growth in 4th quarter

Figures for the 4th quarter confirm the positive trend in the transport sector. Turnover increased for instance by 8.7 per cent for the division Warehousing and support activities for transportation from the 4th quarter of 2009 to the same quarter in 2010. Air transport also reported a growth in this period, after experiencing heavy turbulence in the first half of 2010.

Tables:

• Table 1 Turnover index. Transport, tourism and ICT. Value index. 2005=100