Surge in International Travel Contributes $20.9 Billion to the US Economy

The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) of the International Trade Administration has unveiled the insights from the third quarter of 2023 in the Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT), shedding light on the significant impact of international travel on the US economy.

The SIAT, a comprehensive research initiative, captures statistical information on air passengers traveling to and from the US. It examines trip planning, travel behavior, demographics, and spending for both non-US residents visiting the US and US residents departing from the country.

Key Survey Methodology:

The SIAT focuses on distinguishing between two groups: US residents departing from the US and non-resident visitors heading back home. Voluntary participation from both US and foreign flag carriers is crucial, with surveys conducted on selected outbound flights during the third week of each month.

Additionally, the NTTO employs a field service contractor to distribute surveys at various airports, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive dataset.

Insights from the Third Quarter 2023:

In the third quarter of 2023, international air travelers collectively injected $20.9 billion into the United States, marking a robust 19.9% increase from the same period in 2022.

Overseas Visitor Arrivals to the United States:

• Average overseas visitors, totaling 9.4 million, had a combined annual household income of $91,579, spent 17.39 nights, and contributed $1,863 to the US economy.
• Top source markets were the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, and France.
• New York emerged as the top state visited, with visitors deciding to travel to the US approximately 109.2 days prior to their trip.

Canadian-Air Visitor Arrivals:

• Canadian-air visitors, numbering 2.1 million, boasted an average annual household income of $122,769, spent 7.67 nights, and contributed $999 to the US economy.
• Top states visited included California, Florida, and New York, with visitors deciding to travel to the US 80.9 days prior to their trip.

Mexican-Air Visitor Arrivals:

• Mexican visitors, reaching 844,000, had an average annual household income of $61,175, spent 12.87 nights, and contributed $1,541 to the US economy.
• Texas, California, and Florida were the top states visited, with visitors deciding to travel to the US 64.4 days prior to their trip.

These insights underscore the economic significance of international travel, emphasizing its role in contributing to the overall growth and vibrancy of the US tourism sector.