AUGUST 22, 2012 - WASHINGTON, DC – According to new numbers released by the Commerce Department today, the travel industry is on track for another record-setting year. International visitors have spent an estimated $82.2 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services – an increase of 11 percent when compared to the same period last year.

"America's economic recovery is being driven largely by the travel industry," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

"Each international visitor we welcome to the U.S. helps to support local communities and small businesses across our country. This is a tremendous opportunity; more can be done, and our industry stands ready to continue to encourage growth in international travel to the U.S."

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.  Visit www.ustravel.org.  Follow us on Twitter @ustravel