According to a PTI report, with substantial increase in the number of tourists coming from countries like China, US has recorded 60 million international travellers arriving in the country in 2010, shattering the previous record set in 2000 by 17 per cent. These international travellers spent more than USD 134 billion during their visits, a 12 per cent increase from 2009.

Gary Locke, Commerce Secretary, US said,  "The travel and tourism industry is playing an important role in strengthening the US economy, helping to support the 17-per cent increase in US exports we saw in 2010."

In 2010, seven of the top 10 countries for US overseas visitation posted new records, China is included. These markets, especially China, led to a record 26 million combined overseas visitors, surpassing the record set in 2000, the Commerce Department said.