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Florida sees 6.5% rise in UK arrivals
The number of British visitors to Florida rose by 6.5% last year to almost 1.4 million over 2002, according to latest figures.
The increase came in a year when many US destinations suffered a decline in numbers due to the Iraq war.
The state’s tourist chiefs expect 2004 numbers to exceed last year’s figure due to the favourable sterling-dollar exchange rate.
The forecast came despite planned changes to visa requirements for UK travellers to the US due to security concerns.
Visit Florida president and chief executive Bud Nocera said: “International travel has become the focal point of the need for increased security of nations.
“We understand that Congress will be delaying the proposed October implementation of the requirement for biometric passports, which is very welcome. While changing and new regulations can be inconvenient and confusing at times, it should not prevent our friends in the UK from taking advantage of great value in Florida.”
He claimed the “near historic” low exchange rate made the state even better value for UK holidaymakers.
Orlando in Florida hosts the ABTA Convention in November.
Report by Phil Davies
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