COMMERCE ANNOUNCES CONTINUED RISE IN INTERNATIONAL VISITATION
TO THE U.S. DURING MAY 2005

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that 3.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States during May 2005, an increase of almost 8 percent over May 2004. Arrivals were also up by almost 8 percent for year-to-date 2005 compared to 2004.

"We are welcoming more visitors to the United States in 2005, which is good news for the U.S. economy," said Deputy Assistant Secretary Douglas B. Baker. "Arrivals from major world regions are up in May and for the first five months of this year, including double-digit growth from several major markets."

Highlights of May 2005 and Year-to-Date (YTD) International Arrivals to the United States

• Canadian visitation grew by more than 8 percent over May of 2004 and also for the first five months of 2005 compared to 2004.
  
• Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) were up by nearly 11 percent from May of 2004. Overall, year-to-date they were up more than 8 percent.
  
• Overseas arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) increased 7 percent over May 2004 and also year-to-date.
  
• Visitation from Western Europe grew 6 percent over May of 2004, with visitation for the year up almost 8 percent. Double-digit growth in May was noted from France, Italy and the Netherlands.
  
• Arrivals from the United Kingdom increased by 1 percent from May of 2004. United Kingdom arrivals for the year were up 3 percent from 2004.
  
• German arrivals were up by 7 percent both in May and year-to-date.
  
• Visitation from Asia increased 7 percent for May and almost 6 percent for the year. Japanese arrivals increased by 4 percent for the month and year to date. Japanese visitors accounted for about 63 percent of all Asian visitors so far in 2005.
  
• Arrivals from South America were up 14 percent for the month and 10 percent year-to-date. Strong growth was recorded from Brazil, which increased nearly 38 percent for the month and is up 24 percent for the year.
  
• Travelers from Oceania increased 10 percent in May and for the year. Australia registered an 8 percent increase from May of 2004.
  
• Arrivals from the Middle East increased 13 percent in May and were up 9 percent for the year.

To access the 2005 monthly arrivals data for world regions and top markets, visit
http://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2005-I-001/index.html.