Fewer overseas tourists visit US

The number of overseas tourists visiting the United States declined last year, serving as yet another indication that the slowing of the world economy, coupled with high oil prices, is also hurting the travel industry. The US Department of Commerce made public key figures earlier today that suggest a noticeable drop in the number of overseas visitors to America. Most conservative estimates indicate that the number of tourists arriving on long-haul flights decreased by about 11 percent last year, when compared with figures from 2000. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) also contends that the number of overseas visitors is likely to continue to decline, at least over the short-term.

The drop in European tourists to the US, however, is somewhat surprising, considering the fact that these visitors can take advantage of very beneficial exchange rates, since in 2007 the US dollar lost a significant amount of its value against both the euro and the British Pound. This exchange rate has made travel to the US much cheaper for Europeans, but trips to Europe far more costly for American citizens.

In concrete numbers, the US saw approximately 10 million fewer tourists last year than what had been expected. In the past several years, international travel had finally recovered after the slump caused by the 9/11 attacks.

Yet travel experts—and especially TIA—argue that there are some relatively simple steps that the US can take to improve its tourism prospects. The most important step would be to offer visa-free travel to more foreigners—especially to the newer members of the European Union. Other entry and communication improvements would also help this struggling industry.