JULY SHOWS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITATION LEVELS
Commerce Numbers Reveal 15 Percent Growth For First Seven Months of 2004

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.2 million international visitors traveled to the United States in July 2004, an increase of 11 percent over July 2003. Arrivals for July 2004 year-to-date totaled 21.8 million, an increase of 15 percent from the same period last year.

“It’s encouraging to see the continued strong international visitation growth which adds immeasurably to our economy through increased exports and job creation,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Services Douglas B. Baker.

Highlights of July 2004 International Arrivals to the United States from Top Markets

• Canadian visitation grew by seven percent over July 2003 and year-to-date was up 11 percent compared to the same period last year.
  
• Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) grew by eight percent over July of 2003 and eight percent for the first seven months of 2004.
  
• Overseas arrivals (not including Canada and Mexico) increased by 16 percent over July of 2003 and increased 20 percent for the first seven months of 2004.
  
• Asian visitation increased 17 percent over July of 2003 and increased by 29 percent for the first seven months of 2004. Japanese arrivals grew by 27 percent in July and were up 35 percent for the first seven months, accounting for almost two-thirds of all Asian visitors.
  
• Western European visitation levels were up 17 percent in July, and up 18 percent for the first seven months of 2004 over 2003, supported by growth from all top markets.
  
• United Kingdom visitation increased 17 percent over July of 2003 and was up by almost 14 percent for the first seven months. This growth maintains the U.K. as the top overseas market for the United States.
  
• Arrivals from South America increased 13 percent over July of 2003, led by Venezuela and Brazil, which were up 37 percent and 12 percent, respectively, for the month. South American visitation was up 12 percent year-to-date.
  
• The number of travelers from Oceania increased 22 percent over July of 2003, with Australian arrivals up 21 percent. Oceania year-to-date visitation increased by 31 percent.

To access 2004 arrivals data for world regions and top markets, visit
http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/