In an unprecedented forecast by the International Trade Administration (ITA), the United States is poised to witness a remarkable influx of international tourists in 2024, a testament to the resilience and appeal of its tourism sector. The ITA’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) projects an impressive 15.4% increase in international visitations, translating to over 10.4 million visitors, totalling 77.7 million, from the previous year’s 67.3 million.

This significant uptick is not just a number—it’s a narrative of recovery, ambition, and strategic foresight. The United States, a tapestry of diverse landscapes and cultures, has long stood as a beacon for global travellers. The forecasted growth to 85.2 million visitors in 2025, eclipsing the pre-pandemic zenith of 79.4 million in 2019, clearly signals the tourism sector’s robust revival and the global community’s renewed eagerness to explore the vast American expanse.

Under the guidance of Secretary Gina Raimondo, the Commerce Department has been instrumental in catalyzing this resurgence. Since the outset of the Biden Administration, decisive measures have been adopted to not only navigate the sector out of the pandemic-induced downturn but also to lay the groundwork for a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable tourism industry. “This 2024 forecast exemplifies the fruits of our National Travel and Tourism Strategy, reinforcing the United States’ position as the preeminent travel and tourism hub,” remarked Raimondo, highlighting the strategy’s pivotal role in achieving a forecasted visitation of 91 million by 2026, surpassing the ambitious five-year goal.

The ITA’s forecast, grounded in comprehensive data analysis from 2019 to 2023 and extending projections up to 2028, encompasses visitations from all countries, with a detailed outlook on overseas visitors (excluding Canada and Mexico) and the 12 largest source markets based on 2019 data. This analytical endeavour provides a window into future trends and serves as a cornerstone for policy formulation and strategic planning within the travel and tourism landscape.

For industry stakeholders, policymakers, and communities nationwide, this forecast is more than a beacon of optimism; it’s a call to action—a rallying point to enhance infrastructure, foster innovation, and ensure that the United States continues to offer unparalleled experiences to visitors from across the globe. As the world gears up to traverse the American dream anew, the economic implications are vast, promising job creation and boosting local economies, heralding a new era of growth and international camaraderie.

In essence, the anticipated surge in international visitation to the United States in 2024 and beyond is not merely a statistic; it’s a narrative of resilience, strategic acumen, and a forward-looking vision that aspires to rekindle the global spirit of exploration and connection, reinforcing the United States’ stature as the world’s premier travel destination.

For more insights and detailed forecasts, the NTTO’s comprehensive report and forecast table are accessible at https://www.trade.gov/national-travel-and-tourism-office.

Written by: Jason Smith

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