Late last year, the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office released its updated visitation projections for the next five years. The report, entitled the “Forecast for International Travel to the United States,” says the U.S. will welcome 90.8 million internationals by 2024.
After a projected 1.5 percent decline from 2018 to 2019, the year-over-year totals are predicted to rebound and rise at a steady rate through the end of the forecast period. From 2020 to 2024, the total goes up by a minimum of 2 million per year en route to reaching 90 million by 2024.
Canada and Mexico will lead the way—combining for an anticipated 44.5 million visitors by 2024—which is just under half of the total international arrivals. Between 2018 and 2024, Canadian figures are expected to rise by 14% and Mexico numbers to go up by 9%.
The increases between those years are higher for nearly all international markets outside of North America. Seventeen of the top 20 sending countries are expected to see a rise of at least 8%, with projected declines for the other three.
The largest uptick in visitation from European nations over the seven-year period is forecast to come from France, which will see an increase of 25 percent. Other key countries on the rise include Spain (15%), Ireland (14%), and Italy (13%).
Taiwan and China head the list from Asia, with projected 23% and 18% surges, respectively. Other significant jumps are expected from India (37%), Colombia (23%), and Brazil (18%).
The “Forecast for International Travel to the United States” is based on data gathered by the U.S. Department of Commerce in conjunction with Canadian and Mexican government sources. To see the full report, go to travel.trade.gov.
Top photo: Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park
Photo by Arizona Office of Tourism
