100+ US Tourism Statistics and Trends

Table of Contents

• Key Data
• The Worth of the US Travel and Tourism Industry
• Tourism Trips
• Spending
• Accommodation
• What are the most popular tourist destinations and attractions in the US?
• What are the popular tourism activities in the United States?
• Why do Americans travel?

Methodology

This work was carried out through the Osint (Open Source INTelligence) techniques aimed at finding and analysing useful information for the research.

The analysis through open sources consists of the application of analytical methodologies for the collection, processing and analysis of information. The ultimate goal is to transform what is apparently a confusing set of disconnected data, facts and news into exploitable knowledge, thus offering a context consistent with the objective of this report.

Some of the Osint sources include:

• Scientific and technical-commercial databases;
• Official and unofficial data of institutional bodies;
• Information from professional and academic sources;
• Search engines used both with Boolean operators and with advanced operators;
• Meta-browsers;
• Software for the analysis of the social graph;
• Software for the analysis of metadata and geolocation;
• Social network;
• Domain intelligence tools;
• Network analysis;
• Newspapers and magazines, institutional publications.

Given the consistency of the information to be compared and considering any cases of harmony, we inform you that the processing may present limited cases of inaccuracies.

Market Research

Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the latest US tourism statistics and trends for the year 2024. This blog marks a significant shift from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, allowing us to focus on the renewed vigour of the travel and tourism industry.

1. According to Statista Market Forecast, the revenue in the US travel and tourism market is projected to reach $198.70 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 2.90%. The largest market segment is the hotel market, with a projected market volume of $110.50 billion in 2024.
2. Deloitte US predicts that the travel industry will be shaped by five trends in 2024.  suppliers will find ways to touch up the travel experience, high interest rates and elevated costs of some goods can make it difficult to update, let alone upgrade, hotels, and more.
3. MacroTrends provides historical data on US tourism spending. In 2020, the US spent $84.21 billion on tourism, which accounted for 3.90% of exports
4. Travel spending in the US stood at $1.2 trillion in 2022, matching pre-pandemic levels.
5. In 2022, travel accounted for 1.2 trillion in spending nationwide
6. In 2022, the average price for a round-trip domestic flight was $378
7. The 2022 National Travel and Tourism strategy aims to welcome 90 million international visitors annually by 2027.

The subsequent years, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, brought unprecedented challenges, causing a severe downturn in the travel industry. The adverse effects led to the closures of numerous travel businesses, leaving many Americans unemployed.

However, as we stand in 2024, the international travel industry is showing promising signs of revival, and the United States is poised to reclaim its status as a premier tourist destination. With the decline of COVID-19, the anticipation is that the number of visitors, whether for leisure, family reunions, or various other reasons, will steadily rise, ushering in a new era of growth and exploration for the US tourism sector. Join us as we delve into the latest trends and statistics that shape the landscape of travel in the United States in 2024.

Key Data

8. The Travel & Tourism market is anticipated to achieve a revenue of US$198.70 billion in 2024.
9. It is expected to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 2.90%, leading to a projected market volume of US$222.80 billion by 2028.
10. The Hotels market is identified as the largest segment within Travel & Tourism, with an estimated market volume of US$110.50 billion in 2024. By 2028, the hotel market is predicted to have 167.50 million users.
11. The user penetration rate is projected to increase from 5% in 2024 to 69.3% by 2028.
12. The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is expected to be US$0.86k.
13. In the broader Travel & Tourism market, online sales are forecasted to contribute 72% of total revenue by 2028.
14. Globally, the United States is expected to lead in revenue generation, reaching US$199 billion in 2024.
15. In 2018, 15.7 million jobs in the US were supported by travel. By 2024, the number of domestic business trips is expected to rise to 457 million.
16. According to a survey conducted by Expedia, Gen Z travellers in the US travelled for an average of 29 days, Millennials for 35 days, Gen X for 26 days, and Baby Boomers for 27 days.
17. The most visited country by American travellers is Mexico with 19.1 million visitors, followed by Canada with 12.3 million visitors, then the UK with 4.9 million visitors, Japan with 3.4 million visitors, and China with 2.9 million visitors.
18. US travellers take 93 million international trips and 2.29 billion domestic trips each year.
19. According to a report by Deloitte, the US travel industry is expected to see a sustained interest in travel, and for many, that interest may be shifting from a reactionary impulse to a redefined priority.
20. In a key signal that consumers place high value on vacation and exploration, travel has held a consistent share of the American wallet, even at times of high financial anxiety.
21. Enthusiasm for in-destination activities, growing interest in more diverse destinations, and the return of baby boomers in greater numbers add to positive indicators for travel. And workplace flexibility appears poised to further buoy demand. Despite this optimistic outlook, an economic downturn could lead to more conservative travel behaviours, particularly among lower-income groups. Travel frequency and certain indulgences may see a decline.
22. At the same time, if higher-income groups are relatively insulated from economic headwinds, higher-end travel products could have a better year than budget ones.

The Worth of the US Travel and Tourism Industry

23. According to a report by Statista, the travel and tourism industry contributed over two trillion U.S. dollars to the country’s GDP in 2022.
24. The total direct travel spending of domestic leisure travellers in the U.S. amounted to 718 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.
25. Meanwhile, during that same year, international travel spending in the U.S. amounted to 99 billion U.S. dollars
26. In 2022, domestic leisure travel generated $837 billion, while domestic corporate travel stood at $234 billion.
27. In 2022, over 3 million US residents travelled to the Central America region, to countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Belize.
28. In 2022, the music tourism market value stood at $5.5 billion.

Tourism Trips

29. With over 90% of travel undertaken within the US, Americans rediscovering their backyard remains a dominant force.
30. While still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, international travel is gradually recovering, projected to grow by 4% in 2024.
31. The South, Southwest, and West Coast reign supreme, with Florida, California, and Hawaii acting as tourist magnets
32. The average American takes 4 leisure trips per year.
33. Weekend getaways and shorter trips are in vogue, often driven by a desire for frequent escapes and flexibility.
34. Cost-consciousness is on the rise, prompting an increased interest in alternative accommodations like camping, road trips, and vacation rentals.
35. Escaping daily routines and prioritizing mental well-being are key drivers for travel, with nature and outdoor activities leading the way.
36. Experiencing new cultures and traditions is gaining traction, fueled by a desire for authentic and enriching experiences.
37. Multi-generational travel is on the rise, with grandparents often joining the adventures, creating lasting memories
38. In 2022, the travel sector employed 8M
39. Approximately 51M international visitors came to the US in 2022.
40. US travellers are set to make 94B domestic leisure trips in 2023, with the figure rising to 2.06B by 2026.
41. 3% of Americans are expecting to travel more in the next year.
42. As the number of visitors decreased, so did the international business travel spending in the United States.
43. With growing awareness of climate change, some people are becoming more environmentally conscious. As a result, the demand for more sustainable travel options increases.
44. 37% of travellers stated that they had not taken a ‘staycation‘.
45. The top 5 inbound countries are Mexico (20M), Canada (15M), the UK (4.5M), Japan (3.5M), and China (3.3M).
46. The top 5 outbound continents are Mexico (18M), Canada (14M), UK (4M), Dominican Republic (2.5M), and Jamaica (1.8M).
47. The top US cities visited are New York (66M), LA (50m), Orlando (40M), Vegas (30M) and Chicago (25M).
48. 35% of families plan vacations 50 miles or more from home.
49. 24% of US travellers stated they plan to travel to Europe.
50. 22% of US vacations are via road trips.
51. 80% of trips in the US are leisure trips.
52. 1 in 10 jobs in the States depend on tourism.
53. Millennials are the keenest travel generation with 35 vacation days per year.

Spending

54. Domestic leisure trips cost around $1,222, while international trips average a higher $3,498.
55. Platforms like Airbnb are seeing a surge in popularity, offering flexibility and potentially lower costs
56. In 2022, meetings and events drove nearly $100B in travel spending.
57. The travel industry produced $84B in state and local taxes in 2022.
58. By the end of 2023, travel spending in the US is expected to reach $1.15T, increasing to $1.26T by 2026.
59. By 2024, the number of domestic business trips will gradually rise to 457 million.
60. By 2028, yearly US tourism is estimated to hit the 4 trillion USD mark.
61. According to Statista, the projected total travel spending in the US for 2024 is $1.067 trillion. This showcases a robust recovery from the pandemic.
62. Domestic travel continues to reign supreme, accounting for a whopping 80% of the spending pie.
63. While still below pre-pandemic levels, international travel spending is expected to reach $198 billion by 2025, indicating a promising comeback.
64. According to Statista, the following are the travel spending categories for 2022-2023 :
65. Transportation: This takes the top spot, gobbling up 44% of travel spending, with airfare and car rentals being major culprits.
66. Accommodation: Finding your cosy nest accounts for 25% of the spending, with hotels still leading the charge followed by vacation rentals and camping.
67. Food & Beverage: Satisfying hunger pangs takes a 15% bite out of the budget, with restaurants and local experiences playing a key role.
68. Entertainment & Shopping: These categories take up 10% each, from theme park thrills to souvenir hunts.

Accommodation

69. Americans are expected to spend around 250 billion U.S. dollars on accommodation in 2024, which is approximately 25% of the total travel spending.
70. Hotels remain the most popular choice for accommodation, capturing around 60% of the market share.
71. However, vacation rentals like Airbnb are gaining popularity, especially among families and groups, as they offer cost-effective and flexible options.
72. Hostels, glamping, and unique stays like treehouses are also emerging as budget-friendly and experience-seeking options.
73. The average daily hotel rate in the US was $141.16 in 2023, with significant variations based on location, season, and hotel class.
74. On average, an American spends $1,459 on hotel stays per year. Approximately 60% of hotel bookings are made online. Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have over 6 million listings in the US.
75. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles command higher rates compared to smaller towns or rural areas. During popular travel seasons like summer and holidays, expect to pay more for accommodation.
76. However, there are budget-friendly options available such as camping, road trips, and alternative accommodations like hostels, glamping, and vacation rentals like Airbnb.

What are the most popular tourist destinations and attractions in the US?

77. New York City- Over 60 million annual visitors are captivated by the city’s pulsating energy, iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Times Square, and its vast tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and entertainment.
78. Orlando- Over 55 million visitors flock to the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” seeking magical escapes at Disney World, adrenaline-pumping rides at Universal Studios, and aquatic adventures at SeaWorld. Disney characters, thrilling rollercoasters, and iconic shows cater to families.
79. Los Angeles- Over 50 million visitors soak in the Californian sunshine, explore glitzy Hollywood studios, witness the iconic Hollywood sign, and relax on idyllic beaches like Venice Beach.
80. Las Vegas- Over 40 million visitors seek non-stop excitement in the dazzling casinos, electrifying shows, and pulsating nightlife of Sin City.
81. Times Square is the most visited public (not privately owned) tourist site in the United States, with about 50 million visitors annually
82. Central Park reigns supreme as the most visited tourist attraction in the US, drawing over 42 million visitors annually.
83. Las Vegas Strip attracts 42 million visitors who seek thrills and entertainment.
84. Union Station, welcomes over 40 million visitors each year, connecting them to the city’s past and present.
85. Mall of America boasts 40 million visitors who come to shop, dine, and experience endless attractions.
86. National Mall draws over 32 million visitors annually, immersing them in American history and culture.
87. Millennium Park captivates over 25 million visitors with its stunning design, public art, and vibrant atmosphere.
88. Golden Gate Park enchants over 24 million visitors with its gardens, museums, and diverse landscapes.
89. Grand Central Terminal sees over 6 million visitors yearly, marvelling at its architectural grandeur and bustling energy.
90. Magic Kingdom ignites the imaginations of over 4 million visitors with its magical characters, thrilling rides, and enchanting atmosphere.
91. Lincoln Park delights over 20 million visitors with its beaches, gardens, and diverse attractions.
92. Disneyland Park continues to enchant over 76 million visitors with its timeless rides, beloved characters, and nostalgic charm.
93. Faneuil Hall Marketplace welcomes over 18 million visitors who come to shop, dine, and soak in the city’s history.
94. Balboa Park attracts over 13 million visitors with its museums, gardens, and diverse attractions.
95. The top 5 road trip routes in the US are:
    1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
    2. Southwest National Parks Adventure
    3. New England Fall Foliage Tour
    4. Route 66: The Classic American Journey
    5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Loop
96. According to Planetware, these are the top popular destinations in the US:
    1. Glacier National Park, Montana
    2. Maui, Hawaii
    3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
    4. Honolulu – Oahu, Hawaii
    5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

What are the popular tourism activities in the United States?

97. The most popular cultural activities in the United States are Immersive Art & Technology, Celebrating Diversity through Food & Festivals, Experiencing Local Arts & Crafts
98. The  most popular activities among overseas tourists are Visiting National Parks, Road Trips, Beach Escapes, visiting Museums & Galleries and enjoying Live Music & Performances
99. The 5 most popular cultural activities in the United States are visiting art/history museums – 65%, visiting aquariums – 59%, visiting science museums – 56%, visiting theme parks – 55%, and visiting zoos – 55%.
100. The 5 most popular activities among overseas tourists are shopping – 54%, visiting cultural/historical sights – 49%, visiting restaurants – 49%, visiting monuments/National Parks – 46%, and engaging in sightseeing tours – 46%.
101. 73% of families take their children to theme parks when visiting the United States.

Why do Americans travel?

102. According to a 2022 MMGY Travel Intelligence survey, 71% of Americans travel to relax and relieve stress
103. Americans are increasingly choosing activities like hiking, skiing, volunteering, and wellness retreats to challenge themselves and learn new things. The report also found that 67% of respondents value creating unforgettable memories and stories through travel
104. 51% of US travellers take trips to visit friends and family.
105. 42% of US travellers take road trips.
106. 37% of US travellers go for beach vacations
107. 31% of US travellers go to celebrate any life event.
108. 24% of US travellers go for camping vacations.
109. 24% of US travellers go for outdoor adventures.
110. 23% of US travellers go for bucket list trips.
111. 23% of US travellers go for a romantic gateway.
112. 21% of US travellers go on cruises.
113. 20% of US travellers go to celebrate a holiday.
114. 20% of US travellers go for resort vacations
115. 17% of US travellers go for city vacations
116. 11% of US travellers go for a sports trip.

Sources

1. https://www.ustravel.org/system/files/media_root/document/Research_Fact-Sheet_Industry-Table.pdf
2. https://www.statista.com/topics/1987/travel-and-tourism-industry-in-the-us/
3. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/7af173ce-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/7af173ce-en
4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/301991/direct-economic-impact-of-travel-spending-by-industry-us/ https://www.statista.com/statistics/207088/travel-expenditures-in-the-us-since-2000/
5. https://www.statista.com/statistics/207083/international-travel-spending-in-the-us-since-2002/

Axel Hernborg

Hello! I am Axel, tripplo.com’s travel savings, deals and discounts expert and founder. I have been in the travel deals and discounts industry for almost a decade now. It’s me who publish and update most of the content and discounts on tripplo.com! I also have a podcast in which I share valuable information about how to get the best travel deals and discounts.