The U.S. travel sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, led by the dynamic city of New York. As global temperatures rise and summer vacations take off, the tourism sector is bouncing back stronger than ever, fueled by a pent-up desire to travel after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic dealt a significant blow to international travel, but by 2024, the sector is on track to fully recover. In 2023, international tourism reached 88% of 2019 levels, contributing over $230 billion in exports and representing 22% of all U.S. services exports globally.
New York City remains a frontrunner in this recovery, solidifying its status as a global tourism hub. In 2023, New York welcomed over 9 million overseas travelers, drawn to its world-class shopping, iconic landmarks, and renowned museums. The city rebounded impressively after a sharp decline in 2020 when visitor numbers plummeted by 66.5%. Last year, New York received 62.2 million visitors, just 6.6% below its 2019 peak.
The economic impact of this tourism surge is substantial. In 2023, visitor spending in New York City exceeded $48 billion, with tourism-related tax revenues growing by 16% from FY 2020 to reach $4.9 billion in FY 2024. While international spending has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the city anticipates a complete recovery by 2025, particularly in the international business travel segment.
Beyond New York, other major U.S. cities are experiencing significant growth in tourism. Miami, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural diversity, attracted 4.36 million overseas visitors in 2023, leading the nation with 1,632 visitors per 1,000 residents. Miami’s allure continues to draw international tourists, contributing substantially to Florida’s economy.
Los Angeles, with its Hollywood glamour, beautiful coastlines, and cultural offerings, welcomed 3.6 million overseas visitors in 2023, a 31% increase from the previous year, solidifying its position as a top destination for global travelers.
Orlando, renowned for its world-famous theme parks and family-friendly attractions, also saw a surge in international tourism. In 2023, the city attracted 3.5 million overseas visitors, a 20.5% increase from 2022. Orlando’s ability to captivate tourists from around the world reinforces its position as a key player in the U.S. travel sector.
Beyond these leading cities, other regions across the U.S. are also witnessing significant increases in overseas visitors.
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San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City (California):
2.28 million overseas visitors in 2023 (31.2% increase)*
Las Vegas-Paradise (Nevada):
2.08 million overseas visitors in 2023 (25.1% increase)*
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC-VA-MD-WV):
1.61 million overseas visitors in 2023 (38% increase)*
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville (Illinois):
1.41 million overseas visitors in 2023 (33.2% increase)*
Honolulu (Hawaii):
1.32 million overseas visitors in 2023 (85.9% increase)*
Boston-Quincy (Massachusetts):
1.15 million overseas visitors in 2023 (56.1% increase)*
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown (Texas):
887,000 overseas visitors in 2023 (48.8% increase)*
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta (Georgia):
765,000 overseas visitors in 2023 (111.3% increase)*
Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach (Florida):
749,000 overseas visitors in 2023 (11% increase)*
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos (California):
655,000 overseas visitors in 2023 (17.4% increase)*
Dallas-Plano-Irving (Texas):
655,000 overseas visitors in 2023 (44.6% increase)This resurgence of U.S. tourism signifies more than just a return to normalcy. It’s a powerful testament to the resilience, adaptability, and innovation within the travel sector. These leading destinations are not only leading in visitor numbers but are also setting new global benchmarks for tourism recovery and economic impact. This upward trend reflects the enduring appeal of these cities and the broader revitalization of the U.S. as a premier global destination.
Business Travel Rebound
Business travel remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing $484.4 billion annually, or 1.9% of the U.S. GDP, based on 2022 data. In 2022, a total of 429.9 million business trips were taken within the U.S.
Key Business Travel Trends:
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Transient Travel:
Sales, client service, government and military travel, and travel for construction or repair (67% of trips).*
Conference and Event Travel:
(33% of trips)*
Increased Trip Length:
4.1 days in 2022 (versus 3.3 days in 2017).*
Average Spending Per Trip:
$632, with lodging representing the largest spending category at $214.*
Blended Travel:
Business and leisure trips combined (over a third of all travel). Travelers stay for 4.4 days on average during blended trips.The top 15 states ranked by business travel spending accounted for 65% of total U.S. business travel expenditures. California and New York led the pack, with spending of $35.62 billion and $23.31 billion, respectively. Nevada ranked first in terms of its ratio of business travel spend to GDP, with $6 billion of business travel spend comprising 3.2% of the state’s GDP.
International Tourism’s Continued Importance
International tourism continues to play a critical role in the U.S. economy’s recovery. In June 2024 alone, international visitors contributed $21.2 billion to the U.S. travel and tourism sector, a 16% increase from the previous year. This spending includes $11.7 billion on various travel-related goods and services, $3.5 billion on airline tickets purchased from U.S. carriers, and $6.0 billion on medical and educational tourism, which saw a 9% increase from 2023. Year-to-date, inbound international visitors in 2024 are up 18%, contributing nearly $126.2 billion to the U.S. economy. This resurgence underscores the importance of international travel as a driving force behind the broader recovery of the U.S. tourism sector.
