International Travel Trends and New Forecast Data to be Released

. October 08, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, October 9, 2009 - Helen N. Marano, Director, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, will share the outlook for international travel at the 2009 Marketing Outlook Forum with John Koldowski, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Head-Office of Strategic Management, Pacific Area Travel Association.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that 3.6 million international visitors traveled to the United States in June, a decrease of 11 percent compared to June 2008. Total visitation for the first six months of 2009 was down 10 percent compared to the same period of 2008. International visitors spent $9.6 billion during the month, 22 percent less than visitors spent in June of last year. June 2009 marked the eighth consecutive month of decreases in international visitors spending. In the first six months of 2009, visitors spent $60 billion, down 15 percent from the same period in 2008.

Ms. Marano will provide the essential analysis of recent trends and forecasts for international inbound travel to the United States' major markets in 2010 and beyond. Mr. Koldowski, based in Bangkok, will share his "in-market" perspective on what is happening in Asia and what to expect in the year ahead. The session will be moderated by Terry Berggren, Director, Destination Marketing, Ruf Strategic Solutions.

This panel presentation will take place from 10:45 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at the U.S. Travel Association's Annual Marketing Outlook Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Outlook Forum will be held at the Peabody Hotel. To learn more about the Marketing Outlook Forum, go to:

www.ustravel.org/industrymeet/MOF/index.html