Skift Take

Record U.S. visitation is a reflection of global tourism growth rather than a sign that America is doing something differently to attract more visitors. The good news is that visitation, and its economic boost, is expected to continue throughout 2015.

August marked the eighth consecutive month of visitor increases with 8.4 million international residents entering the country, up seven percent over August 2013, according to data from the National Travel & Tourism Office.

A total 50.3 million visitors entered the U.S in the first eight months of the year, up eight percent compared to the same period in 2013.

Of the ten largest source markets for U.S. tourism, only one – Japan – posted a decrease, of 5 percent in comparison to August 2013. Equally important markets, Canada and the UK, posted no change in visitation.

The remaining seven countries including Mexico (22 percent), China (18 percent), Brazil (23 percent), and Italy (13 percent) posted increases from 9 percent to 23 percent.

Nearly half, or 40 percent, of all overseas arrivals come in through the top three ports — JFK Airport, Miami-Dade Internationa, or Los Angeles International Airport.

The following chart tracks changes in visitation from the United State’s ten largest source markets:

Country of Residence % Change August2014 vs. 2013
Canada 0%
Mexico 22%
United Kingdom 0%
Japan -5%
People’s Republic of China (EXCL HK) 18%
Germany 7%
France 8%
Brazil 23%
South Korea 9%
Italy 13%
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Tags: ntto, skiftstats, usa

Photo credit: The sun shines through a window at Los Angeles International Airport. Salina Canizales / Flickr

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