Travel News

US sees January visitor numbers jump

Some 3.4 million travellers from around the world visited the United States in January, a rise of 11 per cent on the previous year, according to new figures.

Arrivals from the UK increased by six per cent year-on-year in January, following strong growth throughout 2007.

Visitation to the US from its neighbouring countries of Canada and Mexico was up by 13 per cent and ten per cent respectively, while the number of western European travellers in America climbed by 11 per cent.

The US department of commerce figures also revealed that foreign visitors spent a record $11.38 billion (£5.72 billion) in the first month of the year, 23 per cent more than in January 2007.

Department spokesman William G Sutton said: "The travel and tourism industry has a growing and positive impact on our economy.

"The strong start in 2008 builds on the momentum set in 2007, which was a record-breaking year for international arrivals and receipts."

America's tourism industry is worth some $1.3 trillion and employs 8.7 million people.

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