For Immediate Release: May 20, 2009
Contact: Tim Truman  (202) 482-3809

U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT FORECASTS REBOUND IN
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES BY 2013

WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department today released a new international travel forecast, projecting a short-term 8 percent decline in international travel to the United States by the end of 2009, but an overall increase in international visitors over the next four years – a record 64 million international visitors by 2013, a 10 percent increase from 2008.

“The numbers are a reminder that while the current global economic climate is difficult, more business sectors, like travel and tourism, are seeing glimmers of hope on the horizon,” Secretary Locke said. “We expect to see a 3 percent increase in international travel next year, and 5 percent increases the following years, through 2013, which means a record 64 million international travelers will experience the unparalleled treasures America offers.”

Travel and tourism is the top service sector export for the United States and has produced a travel trade surplus since 1989. The U.S. travel forecast was prepared for the Department of Commerce by IHS Global Insight, Inc. (GI). Forecasts are derived from GI’s econometric travel forecasting model and are based on key economic and demographic variables, as well as Commerce consultation on non-economic travel factors.

Commerce’s International Trade Administration Office of Travel and Tourism Industries publishes visitation data for more than 200 countries that generate visitors to the United States, as well as visitation data for each world region. For additional information on the forecast for travel to the United States for 2009-2013, please visit http://tinet.ita.doc.gov.

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