Fact Check: Has the United States tourism suffered this year?
What We Know
In 2023, the United States experienced significant growth in tourism, with international visitor arrivals reaching 66.5 million, which is an increase of 31% from 50.8 million in 2022. This figure represents 84% of the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019, which had 79.4 million arrivals (NTTO Releases International Travel Statistics for 2023). Additionally, spending by international visitors in the U.S. amounted to $213.1 billion, marking a 29% increase from $165.5 billion in 2022 (US Travel and Tourism Satellite Account for 2018–2023).
Furthermore, the travel and tourism industry saw a 7% increase in real output in 2023, following a 20.8% increase in 2022 (US Travel and Tourism Satellite Account for 2018–2023). Notably, several states, including Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia, reported overseas visitation that exceeded their 2019 levels (NTTO Releases International Travel Statistics for 2023).
Analysis
The data indicates a robust recovery for the U.S. tourism sector in 2023, contradicting the claim that tourism has suffered. The 31% increase in international arrivals and the 29% rise in spending suggest a strong rebound, especially when compared to the previous year. The fact that visitor numbers are approaching pre-pandemic levels further supports this positive trend.
However, it is important to consider the context of these statistics. While the overall numbers are promising, some reports have projected a potential decline in international traveler spending in the future, estimating a drop to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024 (U.S. Economy Set To Lose $12.5BN In International ...). This projection could indicate that while 2023 has been a year of recovery, future trends may present challenges.
The sources used in this analysis, particularly those from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), are credible and provide comprehensive data on tourism metrics. The NTTO is a government entity that specializes in tourism statistics, and the BEA is a reliable source for economic data.
Conclusion
The claim that "the United States tourism suffered this year" is False. The evidence clearly shows that tourism has not only recovered but has also grown significantly in 2023 compared to the previous year. With international visitor arrivals and spending both increasing substantially, the data contradicts the assertion of suffering in the tourism sector.
