‘Inbound tourism to the US is on a positive trajectory’

The US inbound travel industry is on a positive trajectory, with strong visitor numbers and positive consumer sentiment.

Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA (America’s national marketing organization), said this at the opening of the US travel trade show IPW in Los Angeles. The exhibition has visitors from more than 60 countries.

In his final IPW appearance more than a decade before he retires in the fall of 2024, Thompson delivered two key messages of optimism: “The position of our industry is strong, the position of Brand USA is strong. There is a clear resurgence of enthusiasm for travel and America is the world leader in long-haul travel.”

Inbound tourism to the US is on the rise again. Last year, the United States welcomed nearly 67 million visitors who spent $213 billion (198 billion euros, ed.) on travel and tourism-related activities in the United States.
This is 28 percent higher than the previous year.
By 2027, the United States expects to welcome about 90 million visitors, who will spend $279 billion (or 260 billion euros, ed.) annually.

A recent forecast from the Tourism Economy predicts nearly 78 million visitors to the U.S. by the end of 2024. Between 2023 and 2027, spending by international travelers will increase by 74 percent.

Thompson cited market research from April this year, conducted in 14 markets, that showed 60 percent of respondents intend to travel internationally this year.

Best target
Inbound arrivals from India have already surpassed 2019 arrivals. It will also apply to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the UK in 2025.
Recent research by Brand USA shows that the United States is the top destination among international travelers from Brazil, Canada, China, Japan and Mexico. The increase in the number of Chinese visitors to the US is significant.

Brand USA wants to engage customers in new ways with global events in the US over the next three to four years, such as Worldpride in Washington DC, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics. 2028 Los Angeles.

Fred Dixon, who currently serves as CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, will succeed Thompson as president and CEO of Brand USA.

Photo by Chris Thompson (Photo Brand America).