Forecast of Inbound Travel to the U.S.

· In 2004, international arrivals to the U.S. increased by 11.8 percent, for a total of 46.1 million visitors.

· In 2005, arrivals to the U.S. are forecast to grow by 6.5 percent to reach a total of 49.1 million visitors.

· U.S. arrivals from Europe for 2004 grew by 12.1 percent over 2003 for a total of 9.7 million visitors. Europe is the top tourism generating overseas region. European arrivals to the U.S. are forecast to increase by 8.6 percent in 2005.

· Asian arrivals to the U.S. increased by 16.8 percent in 2004 over 2003, for a total of 5.8 million visitors. U.S. Arrivals from Asia are forecast to increase by 7.2 percent in 2005.

U.S. arrivals from South America totaled 1.6 million in 2004, an increase of 8.1 percent over 2003. South American arrivals are forecast to increase by 7.6 percent in 2005.