CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire tourism officials are predicting an increase of visitors and spending and a possible record fall season.

Using figures compiled by the Institute for New Hampshire Studies, officials expect 7.9 million visitors between now and the end of November — a two percent increase over last year. They expect those visitors will spend upwards of $1 billion — a three percent increase over last year.

The predictions are based on spending patterns, gas prices, weather forecasts and the previous year's numbers.

Gov. John Lynch and travel and tourism officials Monday unveiled new highway welcome signs featuring the state's new logo depicting mountain peaks, trails and waterways with the letters "N.H." woven into the graphic.

Fall in New Hampshire is the second busiest tourist season after summer.