Some 12.3 Million Americans Crossed the Atlantic in 2004

The European Travel Commission (ETC) informed that 45 % of the 27 million Americans who traveled internationally last year chose Europe.

More than 12.3 million U.S. travelers visited the ETC’s 33 member countries in 2004, up 12% from the year before and the highest figure since the all-time record of 13.2 million reached back in 2000.

We are obviously delighted to recover our momentum, said Eugenio Magnani, director of the Italian Government Tourist Board in the U.S. and president of the ETC, citing a stronger economy and pent-up demand as the prime motivators for increased travel.

The ETC said strong advance bookings indicate healthy arrivals figures in 2005, as well.