Tourism is a major industry in the United States that has a significant impact on the economy. In 2019, approximately 80 million international visitors came to the US, spending over $251 billion in travel-related expenses. Additionally, domestic tourism generated over $1.1 trillion in revenue, making it a crucial part of the country’s GDP.
International Tourism Spending
The United States is one of the top destinations for international travelers, with popular cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas attracting millions of visitors each year. The US government implements policies and initiatives to encourage international tourism and make it easier for travelers to visit.
According to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), international travelers spent $251.4 billion on travel-related expenses in 2019. This includes spending on accommodations, food and drink, transportation, activities, and souvenirs. This figure represents a decrease from 2018 when travelers spent $259.8 billion.
Top Countries by Spending
The majority of international visitors to the US come from Canada and Mexico due to their proximity to the country. However, visitors from other countries also contribute significantly to tourism spending in the US.
In 2019, visitors from China spent $34.6 billion in the US making them the top-spending country followed by Mexico at $23.6 billion and Canada at $22 billion.
- China – $34.6 billion
- Mexico – $23.6 billion
- Canada – $22 billion
- Japan – $16.4 billion
- United Kingdom – $16.2 billion
- Brazil – $12 billion
- Australia – $10.5 billion
- India – $9.6 billion
- South Korea – $8.4 billion
- Germany – $7.1 billion
Domestic Tourism Spending
Domestic tourism is equally important to the US economy, as it generates revenue and creates jobs across various industries. According to the US Travel Association, domestic travelers spent $1.1 trillion in 2019, supporting 9.2 million jobs and contributing $2.6 trillion to the country’s GDP.
Top States by Spending
The top states by domestic tourism spending in 2018 were California with $84.4 billion, Florida with $77.5 billion, and Texas with $77 billion.
The Importance of Tourism Spending
Tourism spending has a significant impact on the US economy, creating jobs and generating revenue for various industries such as hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, and retail. The industry also supports small businesses that cater to tourists such as local shops and restaurants.
Moreover, tourism spending boosts tax revenue for local and state governments which can be used for infrastructure development and public services.
In conclusion, tourism spending is a crucial aspect of the US economy that creates jobs and generates revenue across various industries. While international visitors contribute significantly to tourism spending in the country, domestic tourism also plays a vital role in supporting small businesses and boosting tax revenue for government entities.