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During the first half of 2003, real economic activity in the Barbadian economy grew by an estimated 2.0%, in contrast to declines of 2.6% and 3.8% in the comparable period of 2001 and 2002, respectively. There was a significant boost in tourist arrivals, particularly during the second quarter, as the traded sectors rose by 2.5%. In addition, there was growth in most of the non-traded sectors (1.9%), particularly in the wholesale and retail industries and Government. Growth in economic activity led to an increase in the actual number of persons employed, but the unemployment rate expanded largely as a result of the entry of over six thousand new persons into the labour force. Domestic inflation was up marginally during the review period as movements in the major categories offset each other.