In a year of burgeoning post-pandemic travel, the allure of Florida’s sun-kissed beaches and New York City’s iconic skyline proved irresistible to overseas visitors. The International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) unveiled riveting statistics for 2022, emphasizing the United States’ undiminished appeal as a global tourist destination.

Leading the charts, Florida’s “Sunshine State” captivated 7.145 million overseas travellers, reinforcing its reputation as the ultimate vacation paradise. Not far behind, the “Big Apple,” New York City, with its melting pot of culture, arts, and innovation, drew close to 7 million overseas visitors, a testimony to its timeless magnetism.

But it wasn’t just these figures that astounded industry observers. The year-on-year growth from 2021 in overseas arrivals revealed some eye-popping statistics. In a stunning comeback story, New York City reported an addition of over 5 million visitors compared to the previous year. This dramatic rebound underscores the resilience of the city’s tourism sector and the undying attraction it holds for global tourists.

Though a less-travelled destination, Guam showcased a jaw-dropping percentage growth of 1,928%. Such a surge paints a picture of a burgeoning interest in diverse U.S. territories, suggesting travellers are increasingly keen on exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Further insights from NTTO’s detailed “U.S. States and Cities Visited Monitor” revealed that the top 5 states boasted the lion’s share of 90.8% of all overseas visitations. Regarding cities, the top five metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) amassed a commendable 77.2% market share.

For the statistically inclined, the NTTO’s Monitor is segmented into six fascinating sections:

1. Top 5 States and U.S. Cities in 2022: A comprehensive view of regions seeing the highest volume of visitors and those experiencing gains or declines.
2. Select a U.S. State: Offering in-depth state-specific data, this section overviews the state rank, volume, numeric and percentage changes, market share, and top cities-MSAs within each state.
3. Map of Top States-Cities-MSAs: An interactive graphical display pinpointing the most-visited cities and MSAs within each state, making it a delightful tool for visual learners.
4. Top U.S. States Visited: A neatly arranged table chronicling the 2022 rank, market share, numeric and percentage changes, and the 2022 visitation and market share figures.
5. Top U.S. Cities-MSAs Visited: Similar to the state counterpart, this table details the most-visited cities and MSAs.

Whether you’re an industry analyst, a travel enthusiast, or curious about U.S. travel trends, this updated Monitor is a treasure trove of insights.

The story of 2022 is one of resurgence, resilience, and renewed interest in the U.S. as a top-tier travel destination. As borders reopened and pent-up travel desires manifested, the U.S. showcased its undying appeal, with Florida and New York City leading the charge.

Written by: Matthew Thomas

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