U.S. and Hong Kong (2006)

U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2006
Contact: Matt Braud (202) 482-3809

INTERNATIONAL VISITATION TO U.S. UP 22 PERCENT IN APRIL

Year-To-Date Visitation Up 6 Percent Over 2005

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 3.9 million international visitors traveled to the United States in April 2006, an increase of 22 percent over April 2005. The double-digit growth compensates for the March decline in arrivals, likely due to the seasonal shift in the Easter holiday period from March in 2005 to April in 2006. In addition, visitation to the United States for the first fourth months of 2006 is up 6 percent compared to 2005.

"It is encouraging to see a continued increase in visitation to the United States through April," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services Ana Guevara. "The United States remains an attractive destination for foreign visitors, which is good news for the U.S. economy."

Highlights of April 2006 International Arrivals to the United States

• Overseas arrivals (excluding Canada and Mexico) increased 10 percent over April of 2005.

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• Visitation from Asia increased 1 percent in April and are up 2 percent year-to-date. Japanese arrivals declined 5 percent for the month and are down almost 2 percent year-to-date. Japan accounted for 62 percent of all Asian visitors. Arrivals from South Korea, the People's Republic of China/Hong Kong and India grew by double-digits in April.

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To access the 2006 monthly arrivals data for world regions and top markets, visit http://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2006-I-001/index.html.