INTERNATIONAL VISITATION TO THE U.S. CONTINUED TO RISE THROUGH JULY

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.6 million international visitors traveled to the United States in July 2005, representing an increase of almost 10 percent over July 2004. Arrivals were also up 8 percent for the first seven months of 2005 compared to 2004.

"International visitation to the United States continues to expand in 2005," said Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink. "Visitation from major world regions was up for the first seven months of the year, including double-digit growth from several major markets."

Highlights of July 2005 and Year-to-Date International Arrivals to the United States

• Canadian visitation grew 12 percent over July of 2004 and 9 percent for the first seven months of 2005 compared to 2004 (year-to-date).
  
• Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) were up by 10 percent over July of 2004. Overall, year-to-date arrivals were also up 10 percent.
  
• Overseas arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) increased 8 percent over July of 2004 and by more than 7 percent year-to-date.
  
• Visitation from Western Europe grew 7 percent over July of 2004 and was up 8 percent year-to-date. Double-digit growth in July arrivals was noted from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Arrivals from Eastern Europe continue to grow, up 15 percent for the first seven months of 2005.
  
• Arrivals from the United Kingdom declined by almost 4 percent over July of 2004. United Kingdom arrivals were 2.4 million during the first seven months of 2005, up 2 percent over 2004.
  
• German arrivals were up 16 percent in July. Year-to-date arrivals were up 9 percent.
  
• Visitation from Asia increased 9 percent for July and 6 percent for the year. Japanese arrivals increased 5 percent for the month and 4 percent year-to-date. Japanese visitors accounted for 61 percent of all Asian visitors in the first seven months of 2005. Arrivals from South Korea and People's Republic of China/Hong Kong and Taiwan grew by double-digits in July.
  
• Arrivals from South America were up 17 percent for the month and 11 percent year-to-date. Double-digit growth in visitation was recorded from Brazil and Argentina, for the month and the year, and from Colombia for July.
  
• Travelers from Oceania increased 12 percent in July and 11 percent for the year. Australia registered a 10 percent increase over July of 2004 and for year-to-date 2005.
  
• Arrivals from the Middle East increased 8 percent in July and were up 9 percent for the first seven months of the year. African and Caribbean visitation increased by 7 and 5 percent, respectively, for July.

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.