� The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) announced yesterday. CBS (Central Bureau for Statistics) released the latest statistics, showing an especially strong fourth quarter.

Inbound tourism numbers for the full year 2004 have exceeded expectations, totaling 9.6 million visits � a five per cent increase on 2003 � the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) announced yesterday. CBS (Central Bureau for Statistics) released the latest statistics, showing an especially strong fourth quarter.

Particularly the hotel industry welcomed back international visitors (+10%). The fastest growth rate came from travelers from the USA (+10%) and Asia (+20%), returning after the SARS epidemic and the start of the war in Iraq in 2003 halted their travels. The number of visitors from Canada increased even by 31%.

Conrad van Tiggelen, Director North America for NBTC, said: �The 10% increase in travelers from the USA and the 31% from Canada is very good news for our North American office. The 2005 marketing campaigns and special promotions will continue to build on these decisive numbers. Our 2004 off-season promotions and campaigns, combined with the increase in airline capacity from the USA to Holland, certainly contributed to these positive results.�

Increase expected to continue in 2005 NBTC expects the positive trend to continue in 2005. A substantial increase in visitors from China is anticipated, especially since China granted the EC countries the ADS status (Approved Destination Status). A steady growth in the USA and Canada is expected as well this year, with Holland celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland (May 1945) by the Allied forces. A large number of veterans and their families from Canada and the USA are expected to attend memorial services and celebrations throughout Holland.

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Media Contact: Brigitta Kroon-Fiorita Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions Phone: (212) 370-7360, X. 18 E-mail: bkroon-fiorita@holland.com Internet: www.Holland.com www.warhistoryholland.com