In September 2024, international visitors spent a remarkable $21 billion on travel and tourism-related activities within the United States, marking a significant 7% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
This surge in spending not only highlights the ongoing recovery and growth of the U.S. tourism sector but also resulted in a $608 million balance of trade surplus in travel and tourism goods and services, with American travelers spending $20.4 billion abroad during the same period.
Year-to-date figures further emphasize the economic impact of international tourism, with visitors contributing nearly $189.3 billion to the U.S. economy from January to September 2024, reflecting a robust 14% increase over the previous year.
This translates to an average daily contribution of $693 million from international visitors, underscoring the sector’s critical role in bolstering the national economy.
Travel and tourism exports represented 22.9% of total U.S. services exports and 7.8% of all U.S. exports of goods and services in September alone.
Breakdown of Monthly Visitor Spending
1. Travel Spending
In September, international travelers spent $11.9 billion on various goods and services within the U.S., an 11% increase from $10.7 billion in 2023. This expenditure includes essentials and experiences such as food, lodging, recreation, local transportation, entertainment, and other incidental purchases. Travel receipts accounted for 57% of all U.S. travel and tourism exports for the month, reflecting a robust demand for American hospitality and attractions.
2. Passenger Fare Receipts
U.S. air carriers earned $2.9 billion from international passenger fares in September 2024, although this marked a slight 6% decrease from the previous year’s $3.1 billion. Despite this dip, passenger fare receipts still contributed 14% of total U.S. travel and tourism exports, highlighting the essential role of air travel in connecting global visitors to U.S. destinations.
3. Medical, Education, and Short-Term Worker Spending
Expenditures by international visitors on education, healthcare, and other short-term work-related activities reached $6.2 billion in September, up 7% from $5.8 billion in 2023. This segment accounted for 29% of U.S. travel and tourism exports, indicating the growing importance of the U.S. as a hub for education, medical tourism, and seasonal work opportunities.
The strong figures from September highlight the U.S. as a global tourism powerhouse, attracting visitors who contribute significantly to various sectors within the economy. With sustained growth in tourism exports, the industry is poised to further bolster its role in the national economic landscape in the coming years.
