The International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 provides a comprehensive methodological framework for the collection and compilation of tourism statistics in all countries irrespective of the level of development of their statistical systems. Its primary audience is the staff of national statistical offices and national tourism administrations involved in the compilation of tourism statistics. The publication also contains a wealth of information that might be of interest to data users who would like to understand better the nature of tourism data. In addition, general guidance is provided with respect to data sources and data compilation methods, which will be complemented by a forthcoming compilation guide to be released in 2010.