United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US arrivals ‘to hit record levels’
The number of foreign visitors to the US this year is forecast to surpass the previous record of 51.2 million achieved in 2000.
US Department of Commerce also projects a further rise to 54 million, generating $113 billion in income in 2007, rising to 63 million in 2010, bringing in $135 billion.
The US hosted 49 million international visitors last year, a 7% increase over 2004.
Visitors from Europe are expected to generate 4% annual growth from 2005 to 2010 to reach 13 million visitors. The UK is projected maintain its rank as the top overseas market.
The forecasts confirm a bounce back international arrivals following the 9/11 terrorist attacks of five years ago and come against a background of continuing industry concerns over tightened security measures and visa requirements for travellers to the US.
US deputy assistant secretary of commerce for services Ana Guevara said: “Today’s forecast is significant for America’s travel and tourism industry as well as our economy. A strong global economy will certainly boost visitation to the United States in the future.
“This is particularly good news after international visitors added nearly $103 billion to our growing economy in 2005.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations