The International Trade Administration (ITA) has just released its official forecast of international visitation to the United States, and it’s good news for the travel and tourism industry. The ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) predicts that the total volume of international visitation to the US will increase to 62.8 million in 2023, up 21.2% from 51.8 million in 2022.
This significant increase in international visitors is a positive sign for the US economy and the travel industry, which have both been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The forecast also estimates that international visitation will surpass pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 2025, reaching 82.4 million visitors.
Moreover, the forecast predicts that international visitation will reach a new record high of 91 million in 2027, exceeding the five-year visitor goal of 90 million set by the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy to rebuild and strengthen the industry. This would translate into an estimated $279 billion in spending across the nation by 90 million international visitors.
The forecast covers three categories: Total All Countries; Overseas (excluding Canada and Mexico); and the 18 largest source markets based on 2019 visitor volume. The report includes actual annual visitation for the years 2019-2022 and projected annual visitor volume for 2023-2027.
The projected increase in international visitors is welcome news for the millions of Americans whose livelihoods depend on a strong travel and tourism sector. Mark Keam, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, said, “Today’s announcement is welcome news for so many Americans across the country whose jobs depend on a strong travel and tourism sector and underscores that this Administration’s plans for economic recovery are on the right track.”
In conclusion, the ITA’s forecast of an over 20% increase in international visitors to the US in 2023 is a positive sign for the travel and tourism industry and the US economy as a whole. The report’s projections show a strong recovery in the coming years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2025 and exceeding the five-year visitor goal by 2027.
Written by: William Trevan
