The Department of Commerce projects that international travel to the U.S. will regain its footing by 2010, following the first forecast year of decline in 2009 since 2003. Reflecting the current global economic environment, international travel is forecast to decline by 8% in 2009. But a 3% rebound is projected for the U.S. by the end of 2010, followed by 5% annual increases through 2013. The projections were presented at the U.S Travel Association’s Marketing Outlook Forum, being held this week in Little Rock, Ark. In 2009, 22 of the top 25 arrival markets will post declines. But the top two markets generating visitors to the U.S.-Canada and Mexico-are forecast to grow by 13% and 5%, respectively, from 2008 to 2013. Visitors from Europe are projected to realize very small growth for the next three years. Asia is projeted to post 4% to 7% increases in visitors over the next several years.
Source: US Department of Commerce
