An increasing number of Chinese tourists are visiting the United States, pleasing many American businesses in tough economic times. The number of U.S. tourist visas issued to Chinese has risen dramatically, from 203,000 travelers in 2004 to the latest number available, which is 1.1 million. That puts China ninth on the list of countries of origin for U.S. tourism.
Ron Erdmann, deputy director of the U.S. Commerce Department's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, told VOA the Chinese tourists are giving a boost to the U.S. economy. Erdmann said Chinese tourism also benefits the people of both countries culturally. Erdmann said the growth in tourism from China is also boosting the sector of the U.S. travel industry that specializes in providing services to Chinese visitors. He said the U.S. government, for its part, is working to make sure that most visa applicants are approved promptly.