| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Pow wow
Pow wow
UK maintains strong position in US market
Report by ALANMOORE
THE annual number of UK arrivals to the US is expected to top 5m by 2003, maintaining Britain’s position as the second largest overseas market after Japan.But the estimate, released by the US Department of Commerce at Pow Wow, is viewed as conservative since over 4.3m Britons visited the country last year – 9% of the total market.
In third and fourth places were Germany and France, with 2m and 1m visitors respectively. Canada was the top international source last year, with 14m arrivals, followed by Mexico with 9.9m.
California was the favourite state for overseas travellers with 6.2m, beating Florida with over 5.6m. They were followed by New York, Nevada and Hawaii. Favourite destinations were New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando and San Francisco.
Top activities included shopping, 89%; dining out, 82%; city sightseeing, 43%; amusement/theme parks, 33%; historical 32%; water sports/beaches 24%; touring, 23%; national parks, 20%; art galleries/museums, 20%; and cultural heritage sites, 18%.
On average, overseas visitors included two destinations in their trip; 34% rented a car; 28% took a domestic flight; and 8% used rail travel. Interestingly, 79% of overseas travellers visiting the US were independent, compared to 21% on a package trip. Some 78%, were also repeat visitors, with 22% being first-time visitors.
Total international arrivals to the US last year rose to a record 48.5m, up 5% or 2.1m travellers compared to 1998. A further 6% increase to 52m is forecast for the end of this year, reaching a level of 60m international visitors in 2003.
On a roll: California is the favourite state