COMMERCE REPORTS LARGEST MONTHLY INCREASE
IN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO THE U.S. SINCE 9/11

International visitors in October 2002 to the United States grew by 28 percent over October 2001, the largest single monthly increase since September 11, 2001. The numbers are according to the Commerce Department's preliminary October 2002 and year-to-date international arrival figures.

"Tourism plays a significant role in our economy," said Commerce Assistant Secretary Linda Conlin. "This continuing return of international visitors is good news for the many Americans who work in this vital U.S. industry."

HIGHLIGHTS:

• More than 32 million people traveled to the U.S. during January-October 2002. While this represents a seven percent decline over the same period in 2001, it is a significant improvement over the steeper declines seen since September 11, 2001.
  
  
• Travel to the U.S. from every region of the world is showing both monthly and year-to-date improvements.
  
  
• Among the top 25 arrival markets, Mexico, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and New Zealand all recorded year-to-date positive growth over their visitation levels for the same period of 2001.
  
  
• For the last quarter of 2002, international arrivals to the U.S. are projected to show positive monthly growth as compared to the declines experienced during the last quarter of 2001.

For a comprehensive analysis of international arrivals to the U.S from the top 40 markets for January-October 2002, visit http://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2002-I-001/index.html