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

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

This was stated by Chris Thompson, president & CEO of Brand USA (the national marketing organization of the United States) at the opening of the American tourism trade fair IPW in Los Angeles. The fair has visitors from more than 60 countries.

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

Inbound tourism in the United States is on the rise again. Last year, the US welcomed almost 67 million visitors who spent 213 billion US dollars (198 billion euros, ed.) on travel and tourism-related activities in the United States.
That is an increase of 28 percent compared to the previous year.
The US expects to welcome approximately 90 million visitors by 2027, who will spend 279 billion dollars (or 260 billion euros, ed.) annually.

The latest forecast from Tourism Economics shows that nearly 78 million visitors are expected in the US by the end of 2024. Spending by international travelers between 2023 and 2027 will grow by 74 percent.

Thompson referred to market research from April this year, which was conducted in 14 markets, showing that 60 percent of respondents want to take an international trip this year.

Top destination
Inbound visits from India have already surpassed 2019 visit levels. This will also apply to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in 2025.
Recent research from 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 intention of Chinese visitors to go to the US is remarkable.

Brand USA wants to engage consumers in a new way with the global events taking place in the United States 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.

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

Photo Chris Thompson (Photo Brand USA).