The National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) has released its 2024 Q2 results from the Survey of International Air Travelers, shedding light on the latest travel trends among U.S. residents and international visitors.
The findings reveal where travelers are going, their reasons for travel, and the activities they engage in, painting a vibrant picture of global travel patterns.
International Inbound Arrivals to the U.S.
In the second quarter of 2024, 12 million international visitors arrived in the United States, an 8.3% increase from the same period in 2023.
The United Kingdom led the overseas source markets with 993,000 arrivals, followed by India (672,000), Germany (493,000), France (455,000), and Brazil (444,000). These five countries accounted for 35% of all overseas visitation.
Top destinations within the U.S. included New York, California, and Florida, which collectively welcomed over 8 million international visitors. Vacation and holiday travel dominated at 53%, with visitors enjoying leisure activities such as shopping (80%), sightseeing (75%), and exploring national parks or monuments (35%).
International Outbound Departures from the U.S.
Americans also embraced global travel, with 20.3 million U.S. residents flying abroad, an 8.4% increase from 2023. Popular overseas destinations included the United Kingdom (1.9 million visitors), Italy (1.4 million), and France (1.4 million).
The Dominican Republic emerged as a leading Caribbean favorite with 1.2 million U.S. visitors.
California and New York residents contributed significantly to outbound travel, with 2.2 million and 1.6 million travelers, respectively. Leisure was the primary driver, as 62% of U.S. travelers ventured abroad for vacation or holiday purposes. Sightseeing (83%), shopping (72%), and exploring small towns and countryside areas (48%) were among the top activities.
Shared Travel Trends
Vacation remains the top motivation for international and U.S. travelers alike, highlighting the continued allure of relaxation, cultural discovery, and adventure. Shopping and sightseeing are universally popular, underscoring their appeal across diverse travel markets.
The NTTO’s report also emphasizes the importance of iconic destinations, historic landmarks, and countryside escapes. As international travel continues its upward trend, these insights provide valuable guidance for the tourism industry.
