For Immediate Release: May 19, 2010
Contact: Cory Churches (202) 482-3809
Commerce Department Expects Travel and Tourism Upturn Through 2014
Under Secretary Sánchez Releases Positive Forecast at Annual Pow Wow
ORLANDO – The U.S. travel and tourism industry is expected to experience solid growth through 2014 according to new data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). Francisco J. Sánchez, under secretary of Commerce for International Trade announced the findings at the International Pow Wow in Orlando, Fla.
“This is good news for the travel and tourism industries, but it is also great news for the national economy,” Sánchez said. “It is particularly good news for individuals who are looking for jobs to make up for the losses we incurred when the recession began in 2007.”
The new Commerce 2010-2014 forecast predicts that international visitors to the United States will increase by six percent this year, gain five percent per year through 2013, and record a seven percent increase in 2014. International visitors to the United States spent $31.8 billion in the first quarter of this year, a four percent growth from the same period in 2009. International visitors to the United States spent $121 billion in 2009.
The U.S. travel and tourism industry generates nearly $1.3 trillion in economic output annually, and supports more than 8.2 million American jobs, with 1.1 million jobs tied directly to international visitors. ITA is responsible for promoting international tourism and the jobs that tourism supports.
Celebrating its 42nd year, Pow Wow is the annual gathering of travel and tourism industry professionals who are responsible for booking nearly 90 percent of inbound travel to the United States. Sales and marketing professionals representing more than 1,100 companies are on hand during the three-day event with more than 2,000 international buyers from 70 countries.
For additional information about the 2010-2014 forecast, please visit www.trade.gov.
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International Trade Administration
The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 77 countries worldwide. For more information on ITA visit www.trade.gov.
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