How Much Has Tourism Dropped to the US in the Last Year?

By Anna Duncan

Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, with millions of people travelling to different countries each year. The United States has always been a popular destination for tourists, but the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tourism industry. In this article, we will explore how much tourism has dropped to the US in the last year.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant drop in tourism worldwide. With travel restrictions and lockdowns imposed by many countries, people have been unable to travel for leisure purposes. The United States is no exception, and the country has experienced a significant decline in tourism over the last year.

Statistics on Tourism to the US

According to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), international arrivals to the United States decreased by 76% in 2020 compared to 2019. This represents a loss of approximately $500 billion in tourist spending.

The most significant decline was seen in arrivals from Europe, which decreased by 81%. Arrivals from Asia and Oceania also declined significantly by 77% and 74%, respectively.

Impact on Employment

The decline in tourism to the US has also had a significant impact on employment. According to data from the U.S Travel Association, around 5.6 million travel-related jobs were lost between March and December 2020 due to reduced demand for travel.

The Road Ahead

While vaccination campaigns are underway globally, it is still uncertain when tourism will fully recover. Many countries are still imposing travel restrictions or quarantine measures that discourage people from travelling abroad.

However, some experts predict that there will be a rebound in tourism once vaccination rates increase globally and travel restrictions are lifted. The NTTO predicts that international arrivals could increase by as much as 70% in 2021 compared to 2020.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant drop in tourism to the United States. The decline in tourism has had a severe impact on the economy and employment in the country. While recovery is not yet certain, many experts predict that there will be a rebound in tourism once vaccination rates increase globally and travel restrictions are lifted.