APRIL SHOWS DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITATION LEVELS
Commerce Numbers Reveal 16 Percent Growth For First Four Months of 2004

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 3.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States in April 2004, representing an increase of 28 percent from April 2003. This continues positive growth from the first quarter of 2004, which was up 12 percent from the first quarter 2003. Arrivals for the first four months of 2004 totaled 11.4 million, an increase of 16 percent from the same period last year.

"The increase in visitation to the U.S. is good news for our growing economy," said Deputy Assistant Secretary Douglas B. Baker. "It is encouraging that, as the U.S. enhances border security and improves safety, we are continually welcoming more friends and allies."

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

• Canadian visitation increased by 25 percent from April of 2003 and almost 14 percent for the first four months of 2004 compared to the same period last year.
  
• Arrivals from Mexico (traveling to interior U.S. points) grew by 16 percent since April of 2003 and 10 percent for the first four months of 2004.
  
• Overseas arrivals (which do not include Canada and Mexico) increased by 33 percent since April of 2003 and increased 19 percent for the first four months of 2004. Positive contributions were noted from all world regions.
  
• Asian visitation increased 68 percent since April of 2003. Japanese arrivals grew by 78 percent over April of 2003 and accounted for almost two-thirds of all Asian visitors in the first four months of 2004.
  
• Arrivals from South America increased 21 percent over April of 2003, led by Brazil, which was up 41 percent for the month. The number of travelers from Oceania increased 43 percent over April of 2003, with Australian arrivals up 45 percent.
  
• United Kingdom visitation increased 19 percent over April of 2003. This growth maintains the U.K. as the top overseas market for the United States.
  
• German visitors increased by 20 percent compared to April of 2003, as well as for year to date 2004.

To access 2004 arrivals data for world regions and top markets, visit
<http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2004-I-001/index.html>