According to the latest data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), foreign visitors spent $19.5 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States in December 2023 – an increase of more than 22% compared to December 2022 and the highest level of monthly spending since December 2019 (before the onset of reported COVID-19 cases).
Monthly travel and tourism exports from the United States are currently only $1.4 billion away from reaching their highest point, which was achieved in March 2018. During that time, international tourists spent a substantial $20.8 billion while exploring and enjoying the United States.
In contrast, the expenditure of Americans traveling internationally in December amounted to $18.9 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of $544 million, marking the sixth consecutive month of the United States maintaining a trade surplus in travel and tourism-related products and services.
In 2023, international tourists have contributed over $212.2 billion to the US travel and tourism industry, marking a growth of over 28% compared to 2022. On a daily basis, these visitors have injected an average of over $581 million into the US economy throughout the year.
In December 2023, travel and tourism exports from the United States contributed to 22.4% of all service exports, and accounted for 7.5% of total exports, including goods and services.
Composition of Monthly Spending (Travel Exports)
Travel Spending
Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $11.3 billion during December 2023 (compared to $8.8 billion in December 2022), an increase of 28% when compared to the previous year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel.
Travel receipts accounted for 58% of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in December 2023.
Passenger Fare Receipts
Fares received by U.S. carriers from international visitors totaled $3.4 billion in December 2023 (compared to $2.7 billion in the previous year), up 24% when compared to December 2022. These receipts represent expenditures by foreign residents on international flights provided by U.S. air carriers.
Passenger fare receipts accounted for 17% of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in December 2023.
Medical/Education/Short-Term Worker Spending
SOURCE: Foreign Visitors Spent $19.5 Billion in USA in December BY: eTurboNews | eTN