In the first six months of 2010, visitors to the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, one of Washington State’s premier tourist attractions, were up 11 percent over the same time period in 2009, which could indicate the travel industry in Snohomish County may be looking at a recovery.
 
Visits from Canadians are up 47 percent over 2009, however, the most substantial increase to the center’s visitor base is from high-value, overseas visitors, which are up 68 percent over 2009.

The top five countries include Japan, Australia, China, Germany and Great Britain, with China showing the most stable growth year over year.

 According to Roger Dow, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, there are about 215 million Chinese who can afford to visit the US and he notes that they spend an average of $7,200 per trip to the US – more than tourists from any other country. 

“In five to 10 years at most, China will become the No 1 tourism provider to the US with several million visits,” said Dow.
 
One thing is certain - Washington State’s Governor Gregoire understands the value of the Chinese market and, as a result is planning a trade mission to Asia in September, which includes stops in Beijing and Shanghai. 

The purpose of the visit is to promote two-way trade and inbound investment and tourism.  The mission will focus on agriculture, clean energy, aerospace, technology, education and tourism, and will help the state continue its economic development by creating more jobs and prosperity for our citizens.

In response to and in preparation for the Chinese market, Future of Flight is in its fourth year of hiring summer interns from Mainland China. 

“As Chinese visitors to our center continue to grow, it is critical that we prepare to serve this market and deliver an excellent customer experience,” said Barry Smith, Executive Director and CEO of the Future of Flight Foundation.  “Having interns who speak other languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese, helps visitors feel welcome.  We are committed to providing a well-run facility and an excellent experience for all visitors to the Future of Flight,” said Smith.

One factor that may bolster the Asian market this year is new Delta Airlines non-stop air service between Beijing and Seattle, and Osaka and Seattle.

The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Tours of the Boeing Assembly Plant operate daily at 9,10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

More info: Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, 8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo, 425-438-8100, "http://www.futureofflight.org/"www.futureofflight.org.