US tourism sales highest in three years

US tourism sales hit their highest point in the fourth quarter of last year since 2000, according to a new government report. Total 2003 sales climbed 3.5% to $722 billion, the highest since 2000’s sales of $737.2 billion, said a Commerce Department report. The Commerce Department data includes direct sales between tourist industries such as airline and tickets and restaurant services. The numbers don’t include indirect sales between suppliers and the industry such as fuel to airlines. International travel was also reported up. North America had a rise of 3.3% in international passenger travel in January, reported the International Air Transport Association.