With a weakened dollar, the U.S. is attracting more foreign visitors as international travelers are gaining more buying power in the U.S., travel executives said. Some hotel executives say they have seen a notable increase in European visitors because of the rise in the euro against the dollar. International tourists increased their spending in the U.S. by 18% last year compared with 2009, led by visitors from Canada, Britain and Mexico, while U.S. travelers also spent more on trips abroad, according to data from Visa Inc. The latest data reflect a broad recovery last year for the travel and tourism industry. Visa's international credit-card holders visiting the U.S. spent more than $34 billion in 2010, up from $29 billion a year earlier. Visitors from Canada and Mexico increased tourism spending in the U.S. by 18%, while British travelers spending rose 11%. Breaking into the $1 billion category last year were China, Australia and France, up 64%, 32% and 6%, respectively. The top destinations were Florida, New York, California, Texas and Nevada, with each state having double-digit growth over 2009's slumping levels.
