WASHINGTON, DC- According to a revised international travel forecast released today by the U.S. Department of Commerces Office of Tourism Industries, a record-setting 52.7 million international travelers will visit the U.S. this year, pumping nearly $106 billion into the nations economy. If accurate, the forecast would amount to a 9% increase- 4 million more visitors- over 1999, with continued healthy growth through 2003. “We expect that this year will mark the eleventh consecutive year of a trade surplus in inbound travel to the United States,” said Commerce Secretary Norman Mineta. “International travel is helping fuel a robust economy and supporting more than 1.1 million U.S. jobs in a range of industry sectors.” In three years, the number of international visitors to the U.S. is expected to grow to 62.7 million, generating $136 billion in revenue. Continued economic growth in Europe and Asia is the key to this success. Europe is expected to see its seventh straight year of increased visitation to America, maintaining its role as the top-generating overseas region. Visitors from Europe are expected to surpass 14 million by 2003, an increase of 25% over 1999. Asian visitors are expected to increase to nearly 9.7 million by 2003, 39% more than 1999. The forecast is available at http://tinet.ita.doc.gov. (10/30/00)