The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on June 24 that the number of international visitors to the U.S. increased by 15% in the first quarter of 2008. Visitor spending also increased by 20% in that time.

In March 2008, U.S. visitors reached 4.7 million, an increase of 19% from March 2007. Tourists spent $11.4 billion during the month.

Spending by international visitors is defined as U.S. export, so travel and tourism to the U.S. contributes to the overall economy.

Visitors from Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom all increased in numbers. Other tourists came from the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Sweden.