Where Does the US Rank in Tourism?

By Robert Palmer

The United States of America is a country that boasts an abundance of tourist attractions. From the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon to the bright lights of Las Vegas, there is something for everyone in the land of the free.

But where does the US rank in tourism compared to other countries? Let’s find out.

International Tourist Arrivals

According to data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United States ranked second in international tourist arrivals in 2019 with 79.3 million visitors. This was just behind France, which received 89.4 million visitors that year. Spain, China, and Italy rounded out the top five.

Tourism Revenue

While the US may not have ranked number one in terms of international tourist arrivals, it did rank first in tourism revenue. In 2019, tourism contributed $1.1 trillion to the US economy, making up approximately 7% of GDP. This was significantly more than any other country, with Spain coming in second with $82 billion.

Domestic Tourism

It’s also worth noting that domestic tourism plays a significant role in the US travel industry. In 2019, Americans took over 2 billion domestic trips and spent $972 billion on leisure travel alone.

Top Tourist Destinations

When it comes to popular tourist destinations within the US, New York City takes the top spot with over 65 million visitors annually. Orlando comes in second with over 50 million visitors who flock to see its famous theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. Las Vegas follows closely behind with nearly 43 million visitors each year.

Other popular destinations include Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington DC, Miami, and Honolulu.

The Impact of COVID-19

Of course, these numbers have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, international arrivals to the US dropped by a staggering 76% compared to the previous year. The tourism industry has taken a massive hit, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat.

However, as vaccines become more widely available and travel restrictions are lifted, it’s expected that the US tourism industry will slowly but surely begin to bounce back.

Conclusion

Overall, while the US may not have ranked number one in terms of international tourist arrivals, it still remains a top destination for travelers from around the world. With its diverse range of attractions and natural beauty, there’s no doubt that the US will continue to be a popular travel destination for years to come.