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U.S. Travel and Tourism Tops Record $13 Billion in February
April 18, 2012

International visitors spent an estimated record $13.3 billion in February on travel and tourism-related activities in the United States, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

This number represents a 14 percent increase over February 2011. Year to date, U.S. travel and tourism exports have grown over 11 percent in 2012.

“Today's data is yet further evidence that the United States remains one of the top destinations for international visitors from around the world,” said Commerce Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez.

“We have seen long-term growth in both arrivals and spending and hope to continue that trend with the focus provided by the Obama Administration on this growing sector.

That is why we are making it even easier to visit America’s most amazing places and working hard to tell folks about what an amazing place America is – whether you travel five or 5,000 miles to get here.”

Purchases of travel and tourism-related good and services also hit a record in February, increasing 13 percent over last year to $10.1 billion. Fares received by U.S. carriers and vessel operators increased 16 percent to $3.1 billion for the month, $175 million shy of the record set in August 2011.

In January 2012, arrivals hit 4.5 million international visitors, a seven percent increase over January 2011. The top inbound markets were Canada, which increased visits by nine percent, and Mexico, which increased visits by four percent.

Seven of the top inbound overseas regional markets posted increases in visits in January 2012, while Western Europe was flat and the Caribbean region decreased four percent.

Source :- http://www.travelagentcentral.com/