COMMERCE ANNOUNCES A CONTINUED RISE IN INTERNATIONAL VISITATION TO THE U.S. DURING FIRST HALF OF 2005   

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that 3.3 million international visitors traveled to the United States in June 2005, representing an increase of 8 percent over June 2004. Arrivals were also up almost 8 percent for the first half of 2005 compared to 2004.

"After double-digit growth last year, international visitation to the United States continues to expand in 2005,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services Douglas B. Baker. “Visitation from major world regions was up in June and for the first half of the year, including double-digit growth from several major markets.”  

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

• Canadian visitation grew 7 percent over June of 2004 and 8 percent for the first half of 2005 compared to 2004.
• Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) were up by 14 percent over June of 2004.   Overall, for the first half of the year arrivals were up almost 10 percent.
• Overseas arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) increased almost 8 percent over June of 2004 and by 7 percent for the first half of 2005.  
• Visitation from Western Europe grew by almost 8 percent over June of 2004 and was also up 8 percent for the first half of the year. Double-digit growth in June arrivals was noted from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.   Arrivals from Eastern Europe continue to be strong, up 16 percent for the first half of 2005.
• Arrivals from the United Kingdom increased almost 1 percent over June of 2004. United Kingdom arrivals for the first half of the year were up 3 percent over the same period in 2004.
• German arrivals were up more than 6 percent in June and 7 percent for the first half of the year.
• Visitation from Asia increased 7 percent for June and 6 percent for the year.   Japanese arrivals increased 3 percent for the month and almost 4 percent year to date.   Japanese visitors accounted for 62 percent of all Asian visitors in the first half of 2005. Arrivals from South Korea and People's Republic of China and Hong Kong grew by double-digits during June.
• Arrivals from South America were up 9 percent for the month and almost 10 percent year-to-date.   Double-digit growth was recorded from Brazil and Argentina for the month and the year.
• Travelers from Oceania increased 10 percent in June and for the year.   Australia registered an 11 percent increase over June of 2004 and 10 percent for the first half of 2005.
• Arrivals from the Middle East increased almost 10 percent in June and were up 9 percent for the first half of 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 .

# # #