Based on a recent report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, tourism in the United States is on pace to establish a new record in 2012. The industry increased 2.1 percent in the year's second quarter and had experienced a 4.9 percent increase in the first quarter.

"Every year, tens of millions of tourists come from all over the world to visit America. That's good for business, it's good for the economy, and it's good for our country," said President Obama in an announcement from the White House about the report. "I'm glad we're making progress and I'll continue to do whatever I can to strengthen the travel and tourism industry and create an economy that's built to last." 

In July 2012 alone, international tourists spent $13.7 billion in the country, which was up 3 percent from the same month the previous year. Many of these visitors came from Canada and Mexico, which are considered the country's greatest sources of international visitors. However, the report states that people China and Brazil are increasingly coming to the country for their vacations and meetings.

Regarding successes from 2011, the report states that the U.S. tourism and travel industry contributed $1.4 trillion in economic activity and 7.5 million jobs last year. Additionally, more than 1 million American jobs could be created over the next decade if the country increases its share of the international travel market.

As a company who is part of the tourism and travel industry, we are impressed by these statistics and are proud to be involved with such a bright spot of the economy. Without the successes of destination marketing organizations, as well as their members and partners, these achievements would have not been possible.

For more information, read the full article on CNN.com.