WASHINGTON -- The number of international travelers to the United States grew last year but is still below pre-9/11 levels, underscoring the need for an international campaign promoting U.S. travel, said the head of Travel Industry Association today.

Commerce Department estimates show the number of international visitors grew to 23.2 million last year, up from 21.7 million in 2006.

But the number is still 11 percent below the 26 million arriving 2000, said Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the Travel Industry Association.

More significantly, Dow said, the United States would have had 10 million more international visitors last year if it had kept pace with the upward trend of international travelers visiting other countries.

"The United States has a serious problem that deserves serious attention in Congress," Down said. "We need change; it's time to put the welcome mat at America's front door."

Hawaii tourism means about $12 billion in annual visitor spending with international visitors contributing about $4 billion of the amount, state tourism officials.

Traveler surveys have shown that the international travelers are concerned about U.S. visa expenses, long waiting times to get visas, tougher U.S. entry requirements, surprise bag searches and unfriendly immigration officials, according to the travel industry.

To help solve the problem, Dow said the travel industry will push Congress this year to approve legislation creating a public-private marketing campaign overseas to help attract international visitors and ease their way through the United States strict travel policies.

Senate and House bills would create an international campaign to promote visiting the United States and counter misconceptions regarding U.S. travel policy. Funding would come from a fee of up to $10 on international travelers -- but no more than $100 million a year - with the travel industry matching it.

U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka, , both Hawaii Democrats, co-sponsored the Senate bill, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee in November. Objections from U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and others have blocked action in the full Senate.

The House bill, co-sponsored by Hawaii Democratic U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono, has not yet cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.