The number of overseas visitors to the mainland this year will grow by just 1.5 percent to 132 million, the same level as in 2007, predicted the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) yesterday.

The fall in inbound arrivals last year to 130 million was the first in the sector since 2003, according to official statistics.

"All major inbound source markets, except for Hong Kong and Russia, slumped last year amid the economic downturn," CNTA chairman Shao Qiwei told an annual working conference. "The sector is facing a considerable challenge this year."

Similarly, the number of tourist arrivals worldwide is unlikely to grow more than 2 percent this year, if at all, said the World Tourism Organization.