UK visits to United States on the up

UK visitors led the way as they returned to the United States in increasing numbers last year, according to the Visit USA Association (VUSA). Figures released by VUSA show that there were 361,000 UK visitors to the country in December, giving an annual total of 3,936,000 – and increase of 3.1% on 2002. The association also reports that the figure is close to the 2001 level, and that the UK will be the first major market to return to visitor volumes before the 11 September attacks. There is also hope that 2004 will be even busier; Alan Wadell, of VUSA, said: “Our members are reporting that US bookings are running well ahead of last year – driven by a much improved exchange rate and pent-up demand from travellers who deferred their 2003 travel plans into 2004. We therefore anticipate a continuation of UK – USA market growth throughout this year.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad