In 2009, the city was ranked Europe's third most visited city by international tourists, as well as one of the world's most successful as a city brand. Also, and in the same year, the city was ranked Europe's fourth best city for business and the fastest European city in progression and improvement, with growth figures increasing by 17% per year, but despite the recession that has affected western countries, some recent signs of  economic recovery are beginning to be detected. Barcelona is, thanks to its Port of Barcelona, a transport hub and has become one of Europe's busiest commercial and passenger seaports, with an international airport, Barcelona–El Prat Airport that which handles above 35 million passengers per year, as well as  extensive motorway network and a high-speed rail line that connects Barcelona with France and the rest of Europe.