Missouri's tourism numbers up 5.4 percent in 2002

Despite damaging effects on the U.S. travel industry stemming from the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Missouri's tourism industry did better than expected in 2002, a University of Missouri study shows.

The state hosted 35.6 million visitors in its 2002 fiscal year, up 5.4 percent from 2001. Visitors are defined as anyone from in or out of state who has traveled to a destination of more than 50 miles or stayed overnight.

On average, Missouri visitors spent less, and the net spending was almost even with 2001, said Michael Kaylen, co-director of MU's Tourism Economics Research Institute.

"The most interesting thing in the study is that the state did better than expected following the 9-11 terrorist attack," he said.

The 35.6 million visitors to Missouri during 2002 spent $5.5 billion, or an average of $295 for each domestic traveling party. That's down 4 percent from the record high of $307.