2008 heading for a record

UK visitor numbers to the USA are up by around nine per cent so far this year, leading to speculation that 2008 could be the best year ever in terms of UK tourists Stateside.

The latest visitor arrival stats (for February) released by the US Department of Commerce show an 11% increase following a seven per cent increase in January. And the Visit USA Association’s website has this year seen a huge 162% increase in hits, with 10,500 brochure requests alone.

The good news continues with recent consumer research, which revealed that 86% of those visiting the Visit USA website claiming they intend to visit the USA in 2008.

‘You’ve Seen the Film Now Visit the Set’, the most recent TV and billboard ad campaign, and an advantageous exchange rate that is holding firm around two dollars to the pound have both been credited with creating demand.

Peter Moss, chairman, Visit USA, said: “It’s now beginning to look as though 2008 could well be the year that beats all records. Visit USA members are reporting a strong forward booking situation.”

The USA’s largest travel trade show, Pow Wow, takes place in Las Vegas, May 31-June 4.
www.visitusa.org.uk