U.S. Outbound Tourism Snapshot for 2014: Record Year for International Travel
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A record 68.3 million Americans traveled abroad in 2014, a 10 percent increase over last year, according to annual statistics released this week by the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office.
The greatest growth in outbound travel occurred in December and April with 17 percent year-over-year increases each month.
Every month, the NTTO releases data regarding recent travel activity, including details about outbound travel from the United States. This is the most recent data available.
More than half, or 55 percent, of U.S. outbound travelers went no further than Mexico and Canada last year.
A total 37.5 million Americans traveled to the two countries in 2014, a 14 percent increase over 2013. Growth to Mexico, 22 percent, significantly outpaced visits to Canada.
Data outlining volume and growth of outbound travel to Mexico and Canada can be found below:
| Market | Total Travelers | Growth YoY (%) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 25.4 million | 22% | 37% |
| Canada | 12.1 million | 1% | 18% |
A total 30.8 million Americans go to overseas locations, up 6 percent over 2014.
The most popular overseas market was Europe with 11.9 million Americans traveling there in 2014, a 4 percent increase over 2013.
The Caribbean experienced the greatest growth in American visitors, up 10 percent over 2013.
Data outlining volume and growth of outbound travel to each international market can be found below:
| Market | Total Travelers | Growth YoY (%) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 11.9 million | 4% | 17% |
| Caribbean | 7.2 million | 10% | 11% |
| Asia | 4.5 million | 4% | 7% |
| Central America | 2.7 million | 4% | 8% |
| Middle East | 1.8 million | 3% | 13% |
| South America | 1.8 million | 2% | 3% |
| Oceania | 601,000 | 5% | 1% |
| Africa | 358,000 | 2% | 1% |
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