New Department of Commerce data reveals that the United States continues to suffer from a decline in overseas arrivals despite a worldwide boom in international travel and an extraordinarily favorable exchange rate, according to the Travel Industry Association (TIA).

According to industry estimates, year-end data will reveal that the United States, despite a modest increase over 2006, welcomed 11 percent fewer overseas visitors in 2007 than in 2000. More significantly, the United States welcomed 10 million fewer overseas visitors in 2007 than it would have if it simply kept pace with post-9/11 worldwide long-haul travel trends.

According to the TIA, increasing overseas travel to the United States requires critical visa, entry and communication reforms. President Bush and Congress made positive strides in 2007 by passing important visa and entry reforms, but communication reform still awaits action in the House and Senate.