Travel and Tourism

KEY MESSAGES

Travel and tourism is a critical driver of the American economy, generating $2.3 trillion in economic output and supporting one in nine American jobs.

  • Domestic and international travelers in the U.S. spend on average $2.6 billion a day, $108.1 million an hour, $1.8 million a minute and $30,033 a second.
  • The travel and tourism industry is consistently among the nation’s largest services export industries, and one of America’s largest employers – ranking as one of the top 10 largest industries in 49 states plus D.C.
  • Business travel alone generates $147 billion in combined tax revenue each year.
  • There are some 2.2 billion domestic trips each year in the United States, and 77.5 million international arrivals come to the United States, including 38.4 million from overseas markets (in 2015).
  • The tourism industry represents the interests of several interrelated businesses, including lodging properties, airlines, restaurants, cruise lines, car rental firms, travel agents, and tour operators, among others.

Supporting the right balance between national security interests while also promoting legitimate travel to the U.S. should be a priority for anyone in favor of boosting the U.S. economy and domestic job creation.

  • Each overseas traveler spends approximately $4,400 when they visit the U.S. and stays an average of 18 nights.
  • International travel spending directly supported about 1.1 million U.S. jobs and $28.4 billion in wages in 2015.
  • Spending by international visitors in the U.S. is an export and in 2015 this spending totaled $246 billion, which includes travel spending and international passenger fares, as well as traveler spending on medical, educational and cross-border/seasonal work-related activities. International travel imports totaled $148 billion, creating a $98 billion travel trade surplus.

Brand USA is a vital partner in promoting the United States as a premier travel destination – attracting millions of new visitors every year who infuse billions of dollars into the U.S. economy.

  • Brand USA has been responsible for driving 4.4 million incremental visitors to the U.S. in just four years.
  • The program supports nearly 51,000 incremental U.S. jobs on average each year, across a range of industries that extend well beyond travel, and contributes more than $31 billion in economic impact.
  • On average, the U.S. economy sees a $28 return for every $1 spent on marketing activities by Brand USA.

The importance of having a clear and consistent voice dedicated to enhancing the image of the United States worldwide has never been greater.

  • Brand USA is in a unique position to coordinate closely with hundreds of partners in the travel industry and across the federal government to deliver a cohesive message on behalf of the United States.
  • This program has had long-lasting and overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and across all travel sectors for a reason. Because it works. Now is the time to strengthen our support for this public-private partnership, not weaken it.

Eliminating federal funding for Brand USA would effectively eliminate a major competitive edge for the United States, sending a message to the international community that we are closed for business.

  • Particularly at the start of the summer travel season – it is important that lawmakers fully understand the economic and societal benefits of the travel and tourism industry, and the role Brand USA plays in supporting it.
  • There would be 4.3 million fewer international travelers who will visit the U.S. this year, resulting in a revenue loss of $7.4 billion.
  • And there would be 6.3 million fewer visitors next year, resulting in $10.8 billion loss in 2018.
  • Major players within the travel and tourism industry are united in expressing concern over the Administration’s proposal to eliminate federal funding (collected through fees paid by international visitors) for Brand USA.
  • No taxpayer dollars are used to support Brand USA and its funding through visa fees is matched by private sector investments, providing even more resources for travel promotion that in turn fuel U.S. economic growth. 
  • And it is important to note that the “power of the purse” lies in the hands of Congress.  The budget any administration presents is a statement of priorities—not a budget that is presented to Congress to vote on. The Administration’s proposal serves as a way to outline the priorities of the administration, but it is ultimately up to the Congress to formalize and vote on a final budget.
  • We look forward to actively engaging with both key officials in the Administration and Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to encourage them to keep Brand USA intact and ensure continuity and economic stability.