TI News: An information service from Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI)

November 06, 2006

U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT FORECASTS RECORD ARRIVALS AND
SPENDING FROM TRAVELERS TO THE UNITED STATES

The U.S. Department of Commerce projects record arrivals and receipts from international travelers to the United States in 2006. The forecast exceeds the previous record arrival year of 2000, when more than 51.2 million international travelers visited the United States. In 2007, the United States is projected to host more than 54 million international visitors, generating $113 billion in exports.

In 2005, the United States hosted 49 million international visitors, a 7 percent increase from 2004. The arrivals forecast for 2006-2010 predicts that by 2010, international arrivals will reach 63 million, an increase of 28 percent between 2005 and 2010. Exports – or money generated by travelers to the United States – are projected to grow steadily in 2007 to nearly $113 billion. By 2010, the United States will reach over $135 billion in travel exports.

Visitor forecasts differ greatly by region and country. The largest visitor growth will come from the top two visitor origin markets of Canada and Mexico, which are forecasted to grow 28 percent and 30 percent, respectively, from 2005-2010. Markets with the highest growth rates include Asia—especially China, India, and South Korea, and South America—especially Chile, Brazil, and Venezuela. Visitors from Europe are expected to generate 4 percent annual growth from 2005 to 2010 and grow 25 percent during this period to reach 13 million visitors. The United Kingdom is projected maintain its rank as the top overseas market.

Travel and tourism represents the top services export for the United States and has produced a travel balance of trade surplus since 1989. For official information on international travel to the United States, including additional information on the forecast for travel to the United States, please visit :
http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/f-2000-99-001/index.html

The U.S. Travel Forecast was prepared by the Department of Commerce in conjunction with Global Insight, Inc. (GII). Forecasts are derived from GII’s econometric travel forecasting model and are based on key economic and demographic variables as well as DOC consultation on non-economic travel factors.

U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries
14th & Constitution Avenue NW, Room 1003
Washington, D.C. 20230
Phone:(202) 482-0140
Fax: (202) 482-2887
Email: Tinet_info@ita.doc.gov