In a remarkable milestone for the U.S. travel and tourism industry, the Department of Commerce announced that the ambitious goal of welcoming 90 million international visitors annually by 2027 is set to be surpassed a year ahead of schedule. According to the latest estimates from the International Trade Administration, the United States is expected to host 91 million visitors annually by 2026, highlighting a significant triumph for the National Travel and Tourism Strategy.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo shared her delight, stating, “Thanks to the steadfast leadership and efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration, travel and tourism continue to be critical drivers of economic growth and employment across the United States, supporting 9.5 million American jobs and $2.3 trillion of economic output per year. But our work is far from over. The Commerce Department is taking decisive actions to support the travel and tourism industry’s recovery from the economic challenges of a global pandemic. We will continue working with state and local governments and private sector partners to welcome more international visitors to the U.S. so they can experience the diversity, beauty, and hospitality that make our country the premier travel and tourism destination in the world.”
The National Travel and Tourism Strategy, launched two years ago, aims to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. travel and tourism while fostering a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable industry. Over the past two years, significant achievements have been realized:
- Visa Issuance Efficiency: In 2023, the U.S. Department of State increased the capacity and efficiency of non-immigrant visa issuance by 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Economic Support: The American Rescue Plan allocated $750 million for travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation communities, disbursed by the Economic Development Administration.
- Environmental Investments: The Department of the Interior invested $195 million in climate restoration and resilience projects to safeguard national parks and more.
From 2020 to 2023, the United States saw a 246% increase in international visitation, reaching 66.5 million visitors. Travel exports generated by these visitors surged by 153% to $213 billion, and the number of American jobs supported by travel exports rose by 63% to 1.6 million. This impressive growth also boosted the U.S. share of global travel from 4.7% in 2020 to 5.2% in 2023.
The positive momentum of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy is a testament to the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local governments and private sector partners. Their unified goal is to welcome more international visitors and showcase the United States as a top-tier destination rich in diversity, beauty, and hospitality.
Please visit the Travel and Tourism Strategy Fact Sheet for more detailed information about the National Travel and Tourism Strategy and its achievements.
Written by: Soo James
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