2008 VISITS FROM SWEDEN TO THE USA GOT OFF TO A ROARING START IN JANUARY

Overall figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce for January 2008 reflect a worldwide increase of almost 11 percent over the same period last year, following on the heels of an 11% full-year rise in 2007. Spending in US$ terms was 11.4-Billion, up over 23% from last year, no doubt reflecting the weaker US$ currency vis-à-vis most other world currencies. Spending by international travelers while in the United States, including travel receipts and passenger fares, is defined as a U.S. export. Exports are a critical driver of economic growth in the U.S. economy. In 2007, the United States exported $1.6 trillion of goods and services — nearly a 13.0 percent increase over 2006.

Western Europe tracked exactly on average at 11% better than 2007 as well. The largest European market, the UK, increased, but less than 6%. Germany, the #2 market in Europe-USA, had more than double the UK’s increase, up 13% in January. But, as with 2006 and 2007, it is the smaller Western European economies that are generating the greatest increases in USA-destined travel. Along with Sweden, markets such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands all far exceeded the Western Europe average.

Sweden traffic to the USA was up 17.5%, to almost 25,000 for the month of January. Of note, the 17 consecutive months of growth has resulted in a 30% increase since January 2006 and more than 50% since 2004.

Provided by Birgitta Gardelius, Commercial Advisor
Travel & Tourism/Consumer goods, American Embassy