Melbourne, Dec 30 (ANI): The number of tourists to Australia will decline in 2009 to the lowest level since 1989, a report has said.

As the global financial crisis bites, Australia could be short on overseas visitors for at least the next two years, impacting severely on destinations that rely solely on international guests.

The report said that the number of visitors is predicted to fall from 5.56 million to 5.33 million, with next year shaping as the industry's worst since 1989.

The Tourism Forecasting Committee predicts international numbers will recover by 2010, but other experts warn the pain may continue well into 2010.

"Unless we see a huge pick-up in the global economy to the later half of 2009 into 2010, then that year could be looking just as bleak," the Age.com.au quoted the executive director of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Olivia Wirth, as telling ABC Radio.

"It's too early to call at this stage," she said.

Wirth said that with destinations such as Cairns and Uluru predominantly visited by international guests, some people might lose their jobs and businesses might close.

Other setbacks for Australia's tourism industry include shark attacks and shark sightings.

And with recession taking a toll on Australia's tourism industry, the country is to be promoted through a series of advertisements created by the filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. (ANI)

London, Dec.31 (ANI): England and Liverpool soccer star Steven Gerrard has reportedly received texts of support from top players, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, days after being charged with assault and affray. The Sun reports that the four players, all senior figures in the England team, told Gerrard to "keep your chin up" after hearing he must appear before a magistrate's court next month in connection with a bar brawl. An England source said: "They wanted to tell Stevie they're behind him. They know what it's like to be under the spotlight. You stick by your mates - especially in times of trouble - and footballers are no different."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has also been in touch with Gerrard.

Gerrard, 28, was charged yesterday with assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and affray. He faces up to five years in jail if guilty. His charges relate to a brawl at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of Monday. Part-time disc jockey Marcus McGee, 34, lost a tooth and needed stitches.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle on Sunday by having drinks at the Lounge Inn with Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish.

Yesterday Dalglish, 57, said the case would not distract Gerrard on the pitch.

He said: "He's a strong character and I'm sure it won't affect his performance. The Liverpool fans will support him."

Dad-of-two Gerrard was released from custody in the early hours yesterday - almost 24 hours after his arrest. He joined his wife Alex Curran, 26, at their mansion in nearby Formby. (ANI)

New Delhi, Jan 13 (ANI): British Foreign Secretary David Miliband will arrive here on a three-day visit today to express solidarity with India over the Mumbai terror attacks