New Jersey Sees the 9th Most International Tourism in the U.S.

While travel to several top international destinations—such as France, Spain, Greece, and the UAE—either fully or nearly recovered in 2023 compared to 2019 levels, travel to the U.S. lags behind.

According to the Department of Commerce’s Survey of International Air Travelers , an estimated 31 million visitors came to the U.S. in 2023 from overseas regions, down from 40 million in 2019.

This decline has resulted in a slight drop in the U.S. share of the total global tourism market, from 5.

4% to 5.3%. Source: Luxury Link analysis of U.

S. Department of Commerce data Experts attribute America’s slower recovery to several factors that complicate travel for international visitors, such as strict visa requirements and lengthy customs wait times. These issues are significant because international tourism is a vital part of the U.

S. economy, with foreign tourists spending billions each year to experience the country's cities, national parks, and historical landmarks. In 2023, international tourism generated over $230 billion in exports (adjusted to 2024 dollars), accounting for approximately 22% of all U.

S. services exports globally. Source: Luxury Link analysis of U.

S. Department of Commerce data Despite the slowdown in international tourist traffic, the U.S.

remains a popular destination for various reasons. While most international visitors come for vacations or holidays, other top reasons include visiting friends and relatives, business, attending conferences or convention.