COMMERCE DEPARTMENT REPORTS
INTERNATIONAL VISITATION LEVELS RISE IN FEBRUARY

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the United States saw international visitation levels increase in February 2004, welcoming 2.5 million visitors. Total international arrivals increased by 13 percent in February 2004 as compared to February of 2003.

"It is no coincidence that visitation to the U.S. is increasing as the global economy improves," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Service Industries, Tourism and Finance Douglas B. Baker. "These numbers show a continuing rise in tourism that can add tens of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy in 2004."

February 2004 marked the fifth-consecutive month of growth in international arrivals, including the 4th quarter of 2003.

February Highlights of International Arrivals to the United States from Top Markets

• Canadian visitation totaled 884,154 in February, up 15 percent.
  
• Overseas travelers (not including Canada and Mexico) were up 11 percent, totaling 1.4 million, with positive growth coming from all regions.
  
• Visitation from Western Europe was up 10 percent for the month, showing significant growth from all major counties.
  
• Visitation from the United Kingdom increased for the twelfth time in the last thirteen months.
  
• Asian visitation increased by 11 percent, with Japan accounting for nearly three-fourths of all visitors.

To access 2004 arrivals data for top markets go to: <http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/research/monthly/index.html>.