The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced an accelerated timeline for its ambitious tourism goals. Originally targeting 90 million international visitors annually by 2027, the latest projections from the International Trade Administration now predict the United States will reach 91 million visitors per year by 2026.

This announcement comes two years after the launch of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, which aimed to bolster the country's global tourism competitiveness. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo attributed this rapid progress to the Biden-Harris Administration's robust leadership.

“Travel and tourism are vital engines of economic growth and job creation across the United States, supporting 9.5 million American jobs and contributing $2.3 trillion to our economy each year,” Raimondo stated. “Our efforts to revive the travel and tourism industry from the pandemic’s economic challenges are ongoing. We remain committed to working with state and local governments and private sector partners to welcome even more international visitors to experience the unique diversity, beauty, and hospitality of our nation.”

The National Travel and Tourism Strategy has led to several key accomplishments in the past two years:

• A 20% increase in the issuance of non-immigrant visas in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, thanks to enhanced capacity and efficiency by the U.S. Department of State.
• Allocation of $750 million to travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation communities through the American Rescue Plan, distributed by the Economic Development Administration.
• Investment of $195 million in climate restoration and resilience projects to protect national parks and other natural assets, overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

From 2020 to 2023, international visitation to the U.S. surged by 246%, reaching 66.5 million visitors. This influx boosted travel exports by 153%, totaling $213 billion, and increased the number of American jobs supported by travel exports by 63% to 1.6 million. Consequently, the U.S. share of global travel rose from 4.7% in 2020 to 5.2% in 2023.

As the U.S. anticipates surpassing its tourism targets ahead of schedule, the focus remains on creating a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable travel industry. The Department of Commerce continues to prioritize partnerships and initiatives that will drive further growth and ensure the U.S. remains a top destination for international travelers.