Key Figures at a Glance
The United States is one of the world’s top travel destinations, ranking second globally for international visitor spending and third for international arrivals. Here are the headline numbers:
- 66.5 million international visitors in 2023 (NTTO)
- $186 billion in international visitor spending in 2023
- $1.1 trillion+ total domestic and international travel spending in 2023
- 1 in 9 jobs in the US private sector supported by travel and tourism
- 330 million National Park visits in 2023
- 2019 peak: 79.4 million international arrivals (pre-COVID record)
All figures are sourced from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), the US Travel Association, and the US Department of Commerce.
International Arrivals: Recovery Trajectory
International visitation to the USA is on a steady post-pandemic recovery curve. After falling to just 19.2 million arrivals in 2020 and 22.1 million in 2021, volumes rebounded sharply to 50.9 million in 2022 and 66.5 million in 2023.
The 2023 figure represents approximately 84% of the 2019 record, with NTTO projecting a full return to pre-COVID levels by 2025–2026. Key factors driving the recovery include pent-up leisure demand, the easing of entry restrictions, and strong transatlantic flight capacity.
Overseas visitors (excluding Canada and Mexico) totalled around 34.4 million in 2023, with the UK, Germany, Japan, and South Korea representing the largest long-haul markets. Visitors from Latin America - particularly Brazil and Colombia - have grown faster than European markets in recent years.
Top Source Markets
Top 10 source countries by arrivals (2023 estimates, NTTO):
| Rank | Country | Approximate Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | ~20 million |
| 2 | Mexico | ~12 million |
| 3 | United Kingdom | ~5.2 million |
| 4 | Germany | ~2.2 million |
| 5 | Japan | ~1.7 million |
| 6 | South Korea | ~1.5 million |
| 7 | Brazil | ~1.4 million |
| 8 | France | ~1.3 million |
| 9 | Australia | ~1.2 million |
| 10 | India | ~1.4 million |
The UK remains the single largest long-haul market by both arrivals and spending. India is one of the fastest-growing source markets, reflecting rising middle-class travel and strong diaspora connections. South Korean visitors tend to have a high per-trip spending average, particularly for shopping and hospitality.
Visitor Spending and Economic Impact
International visitors to the USA spend an average of approximately $2,800 per trip - higher than most competing destinations. Long-haul visitors from Australia, the UK, and South Korea typically spend the most, while Canadian and Mexican cross-border visitors tend to make shorter, more frequent trips.
Spending breaks down roughly as follows:
- Accommodation: ~30% of total spend
- Food and beverage: ~20%
- Shopping: ~20%
- Transportation within the US: ~15%
- Entertainment and activities: ~10%
- Other (tours, services): ~5%
New York City alone generates an estimated $21 billion in international visitor spending annually. The broader New York metro area, Los Angeles, and the South Florida markets (Miami and Orlando) collectively account for over half of all international visitor spending in the country.
The total economic contribution of the travel and tourism sector to US GDP is approximately $2.6 trillion when direct, indirect, and induced impacts are counted (US Travel Association, 2023).
Most Visited US Destinations
Top cities by international visitor arrivals (2023 estimates):
- New York City - ~13 million international visitors; the undisputed gateway for transatlantic arrivals
- Los Angeles - ~9 million; primary gateway for Pacific Rim visitors
- Miami - ~6 million; Latin American and European leisure hub
- Orlando - ~5.5 million; theme parks draw large family visitor numbers
- Las Vegas - ~4.5 million; entertainment and convention capital
- San Francisco - ~4 million; strong tech tourism and Bay Area draw
- Honolulu - ~3.5 million; top Pacific destination, especially for Japanese and Australian visitors
- Chicago - ~2.5 million; leading Midwest destination and convention city
Beyond cities, the country’s National Park system is a major draw. Yellowstone (4.5 million visits), Grand Canyon (6 million visits), and Great Smoky Mountains (12.9 million visits - the most visited park) attract both domestic and international travelers. Zion National Park and Joshua Tree National Monument are among the fastest-growing by visitation.
Domestic Travel: The Bigger Picture
International visitors are only part of the story. Domestic travel accounts for the vast majority of total US tourism activity - Americans took approximately 2.1 billion person-trips within the country in 2023 (US Travel Association). Road trips remain the most popular form of domestic travel, with roughly 60% of all domestic trips made by personal vehicle.
Florida, California, Texas, New York, and Nevada are consistently the five most visited states for domestic leisure travel.
Tourism Employment
The US travel and tourism industry directly employs approximately 9 million people and supports a further 7 million indirectly across hospitality, transport, retail, and entertainment sectors. Tourism is a leading employer in states like Hawaii (where it accounts for nearly 20% of all jobs), Nevada, and Florida.
Sources
- National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) - international arrivals data, source market breakdowns
- US Travel Association - domestic travel, economic impact, employment
- US Department of Commerce - international visitor spending
- National Park Service - park visitation statistics
Data correct as of 2023–2024 reporting cycles. For current visa and entry requirements, see our USA visa guide.