54 million foreign tourists to visit US next year

Washington, Oct 25 (UNI) A record 54 million foreign tourists are expected to visit the United States next year and spend 113 billion dollars, according to the US Commerce Department estimates.

It said the tourism industry seemed to have recovered substantially since September 11, 2001, when international travel to the United States dropped significantly in the wake of terrorists' attacks on New York and Washington.

The Department expects record international visitors to the United States this year, exceeding the previous record in 2000 when more than 51.2 million travellers visited the country.

''A strong global economy will certainly boost visitation to the United States in the future,'' Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Services Ana M Guevara said in a release.

''By 2010, it is estimated that international tourists will reach 63 million people, an increase of 28 percent over five years and spending by international visitors will reach 135 billion dollar. This includes money spent by tourists on food in restaurants, car rentals,'' the release added.

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