The U.
S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries recently published its annual Year in Review report for 2010. After arguably one of the most difficult years for the tourism industry since the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, markedly improved 2010 data suggested that economic recovery was undeway.

The United States welcomed a record-breaking 60 million international visitors in 2010, an increase of nearly 9 percent when compared to 2009.

International visitors spent more than $134.4 billion experiencing the United States in 2010, an increase of nearly 12 percent when compared to 2009 and the third double-digit increase in travel exports in the last four years.

U.S. travel and tourism exports to every world region increased in 2010 following a year in which all world region posted declines.

Total U.S. travel and tourism-related employment declined 1.4 percent in 2010 following a decline of 7.8 percent in 2009, marking the third consecutive year of declines in industry employment.

Prices for tourism goods and services increased 3.6 percent in 2010 after decreasing 3.3 percent in 2009. Passenger air transportation contributed significantly to the upturn as airlines increased prices to align with demand.

In summary: 4.8 million more international visitors; $14 billion rise in total travel and tourism-related exports; $68 billion increase in industry output - all suggested a strong recovery had begun. However, given the loss of 112,000 industry-related jobs last year, clearly much work remains.

To view the 2010: Year in Review in its entirety, please visit: http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/pdf/2010-year-in-review.pdf

The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating international travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System.