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International travel to the US seeing some rebounding signs
International travelers to the US from 2004 to 2005 increased by 20.3%, the largest two-year increase since 1996.
But that figure was still below 2000 and 2001 levels, according to research from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
International travel, however, has been seeing some “robust” gains since 2003, the report said.
The figures were seen as encouraging because US tourism representatives have been complaining about lower numbers of international visitors.
“A number of factors, including lingering travel concerns, a global economic slowdown and more strict visa immigration procedures contributed to the declines in international travel,” said PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Some factors contributing to the apparent recovery in international travelers:
ü Global economic performance has accelerated.
ü The dollar remains weak relative to most currencies and is forecast to continue modest declines through next year, which will encourage increases in international travelers.
ü The Department of Commerce has initiated marketing activities to increase awareness and develop a positive image of the US as a tourist destination. Campaigns in the last few years were started in both the United Kingdom and Japan.
International travelers to the US — excluding Mexico and Canada — in 2005 reached levels of 22 million, which represented 83.5% of the peak of 26 million in the year 2000.
International guest rooms accounted for almost 13% of the total US lodging demand in 2000. That share declined to a low of 9.5% in 2003. But it rose to 10.3% in 2005, the report said.
Said Bjorn Hanson, a principal with the Hospitality & Leisure practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers:
“The return of international travelers is especially important — international travelers have longer lengths of stay, pay higher room rates and spend more in other hotel departments including restaurants, business centers, retail outlets, communication, laundry and valet.”
Report by David Wilkening
David
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