Despite a worldwide boom in international travel and a weak, inviting currency, the United States welcomed two million fewer overseas visitors in 2007 than in 2000, according to the Travel Industry Association. Even though the Department of Commerce figures signified a 10-percent increase over 2006, 10 million fewer overseas visitors, or 23.9 million, traveled to the U.S. in 2007 than would have had the U.S. simply kept pace with post-9/11 global travel trends, the TIA says.

The travel industry lobby suggests that visa, entry and communication reforms will be needed to brighten the picture. Although it cites positive federal strides in 2007 in the first two areas, it adds that a nationally coordinated travel promotion campaign could further reverse the decline.