The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that international visitors spent an estimated $12.0 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of January – nearly $890 million more (7 percent) than was spent in January 2011.
“Travel and tourism is an important service export and the growth in this industry touches communities across America,” said Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. “This ongoing growth of international visitors coming to see America means more jobs and more economic prosperity.”
- Travel Receipts: Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $9.8 billion during January, an increase of more than 6 percent in comparison with last year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel.
- Passenger Fare Receipts: Fares received by U.S. carriers (and U.S. vessel operators) from international visitors increased nearly 11 percent to $3.1 billion for the month, an increase of nearly $310 million when compared to January 2011.
U.S. resident spending abroad also grew in January, up 5 percent when compared to January 2011. As a result of exports exceeding imports (7% and 5%, respectively) for the month, the United States enjoyed a favorable balance of trade for the month of January – a surplus of $3.4 billion.
