In June 2024, international travel to and from the United States experienced a remarkable surge, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global tourism hub. According to recently released data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), international arrivals reached a total of 5,639,831, marking a significant 13.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This upward trend continues as global tourism recovers from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, bringing international travel closer to pre-COVID levels.
Inbound International Travel: A Remarkable Recovery The influx of international visitors to the U.S. has seen steady growth, with June 2024 representing the thirty-ninth consecutive month of year-over-year increases. The volume of non-U.S. resident arrivals stood at 89.1% of the pre-pandemic numbers from June 2019, underscoring the resilience of the travel industry. With 2,901,542 overseas visitors, this marks the sixteenth consecutive month that the U.S. welcomed more than 2 million travellers from across the globe.
Canada led the surge in visitor arrivals, contributing a staggering 1,430,418 travellers, followed closely by Mexico with 1,307,871 arrivals. The United Kingdom, India, and Brazil rounded out the top five, sending 286,654, 233,149, and 137,762 visitors, respectively. Together, these five countries accounted for an impressive 60.2% of the total international arrivals to the United States in June 2024.
Outbound Travel: U.S. Citizens Explore the World While international visitors flocked to U.S. shores, American travellers were equally active in exploring the world. Outbound travel departures from the United States reached a record 11,206,043 in June 2024, representing a 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. This figure not only exceeded 2023 levels but also surpassed pre-pandemic numbers, reaching 107.3% of the total outbound volume recorded in June 2019.
Mexico was the top destination for U.S. citizens, with 3,276,884 Americans travelling south of the border in June alone, accounting for 29.2% of all outbound departures. In terms of year-to-date (YTD) figures, 37.3% of U.S. citizens’ international travel was to Mexico, totalling an impressive 19,240,054 travellers. Canada also witnessed a 7.7% increase in U.S. visitors, cementing its position as a top destination for American tourists.
Europe emerged as a strong contender for American travellers, with 3,002,181 U.S. citizens heading to the continent in June 2024. This represented 26.8% of all outbound departures, reflecting an 11.4% year-over-year increase. The enduring allure of European destinations for U.S. tourists further underscores the global recovery of international travel.
Global Tourism Trends and Future Outlook As the world continues to adapt to the new post-pandemic reality, the resilience of the U.S. travel industry is evident in the numbers. June 2024’s travel data illustrates a robust recovery and the growing demand for international travel, both inbound and outbound. The upward trajectory in visitor arrivals and departures signals a promising future for the global tourism industry, with key markets showing no signs of slowing down.
The NTTO report highlighted that none of the top 20 countries generating tourists to the U.S. recorded a decline in visitor volume compared to the previous year. This indicates that the U.S. maintains its appeal as a prime destination for global travellers while U.S. citizens continue to rediscover the world.
In conclusion, June 2024 was a pivotal month for international travel to and from the United States. The consistent growth in visitor arrivals and outbound travel reflects a sustained recovery for the travel and tourism sector, positioning the U.S. as a central player in global tourism. As travel patterns continue to evolve, the future of international tourism looks bright, with travellers eager to explore new horizons and revisit beloved destinations.
Written by: My Thanh Pham