By the Numbers
One out of every 16 Americans works in travel and tourism related industries
July 26, 2010
From the U.S. Department of Commerce/Office of Travel & Tourism Industries: One out of every 16 Americans works, either directly or indirectly, in travel and tourism related industries. In 2009, the U.S. travel and tourism industry generated nearly $1.3 trillion in economic output, supported 8.2 million American jobs and accounted for 24 percent of all U.S. services exports and 8 percent of total exports. Despite the recent economic downturn, the United States still enjoyed a $22 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism in 2009. Read More →
By the NumbersOutdoor Sales Up: Online Purchases Fuel Double Digit Increases in June
July 19, 2010
Boulder, CO – Sales data from Leisure Trends’ Outdoor RetailTRAK™ reports June sales up 13% in the outdoor segment (outdoor chains, outdoor specialty and online), signaling the fifth straight month of positive retail sales this year. Online sales are fueling growth, gaining almost 50% in dollars sold compared to June 2009 and accounting for 22% of June sales in the outdoor channel, up from 17% last June and 14% in June 2007. Outdoor chains gain 11% and outdoor specialty stores hold ground with flat sales for the period. “While growth is positive for outdoor overall, the core specialty retailers are not doing nearly as well as the internet and chain channels this year,” comments Jason Gee, Managing Director of Retail Sales Tracking for LTG. Outdoor specialty saw double-digit gains during the early months of 2010, but growth is slowing through the spring and early summer. Categories such as recreation tents, packs, camp accessories and footwear have sold well but other... Read More →
By the Numbers
Travel and Tourism Spending in the U.S. Turns Up in First Quarter 2010
July 15, 2010
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent in 2010:1, following a decrease of 1.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent (second estimate) in 2010:1 after increasing 5.6 percent in 2009:4. Travel and tourism prices increased 3.5 percent in 2010:1 after increasing 6.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Passenger air transportation spending increased 4.5 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 9.8 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations spending turned up, increasing 11.0 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 7.9 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations provided the largest contribution to growth in the quarter. Prices for passenger air transportation increased 13.3 percent in 2010:1. Direct tourism-related employment was unchanged in 2010:1, following a 2.3 percent (revised) decline in 2009:4. By comparison, overall U.S. employment increased 0.2 percent in 2010:1... Read More →
By the NumbersTravel and Tourism Spending Turns Up in First Quarter 2010
June 23, 2010
Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent in 2010:1, following a decrease of 1.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent (second estimate) in 2010:1 after increasing 5.6 percent in 2009:4. Travel and tourism prices increased 3.5 percent in 2010:1 after increasing 6.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Passenger air transportation spending increased 4.5 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 9.8 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations spending turned up, increasing 11.0 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 7.9 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations provided the largest contribution to growth in the quarter. Prices for passenger air transportation increased 13.3 percent in 2010:1. Direct tourism-related employment was unchanged in 2010:1, following a 2.3 percent (revised) decline in 2009:4. By comparison, overall U.S. employment increased 0.2 percent in 2010:1 and decreased 1.3 percent (revised)... Read More →
By the NumbersU.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis to Release Measure of Travel and Tourism Output
June 21, 2010
On Tuesday, June 22, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) will release quarterly estimates of tourism spending for the 1st quarter of 2010. These estimates, part of BEA’s Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts (TTSAs), provide a broad picture of travel and tourism spending in the U.S. by residents and international visitors and spending by U.S. residents abroad. The TTSAs, available at 8:30 a.m. on BEA’s website (www.bea.gov) and by email subscription, will also include detailed estimates of direct tourism employment in the U.S., components of direct tourism spending (such as traveler accommodations, passenger air travel, meals, and souvenirs), and total tourism output. The TTSAs can be used for the following purposes: To determine the shares of the goods and services sold to visitors; To assess the effects of travel and tourism on the U.S. economy; To compare national trends to locally observed trends; To examine the relationships among the travel and tourism industries; To compare... Read More →
By the NumbersUSTOA Members See Up Tick in 2010 Vacation Bookings
June 20, 2010
Surpass Expectations for Domestic and International Travel Decline in “Staycations” Reported 90% say business is up since beginning of year 96% say international travel is up 66% see domestic travel bookings up nearly 80% say staycations are waning nearly 60% say dollar’s value affecting international travel The U.S. Tour Operators Association reports that 2010 business is up significantly compared to 2009, surpassing expectations. In a recent informal membership poll, 90% of respondents said business is up since the beginning of the year, contrasting with 70% who last fall predicted a turnaround. “Pent up demand for travel, a somewhat stronger economy, and more discretionary income are some factors fueling the growth in travel bookings,” said John Stachnik, USTOA Chairman. “Business has picked up dramatically since the first of the year, with several record weeks,” said the president of one USTOA-member company, while another noted that “Business is good, demand... Read More →
By the NumbersU.S. International Air Travel Abroad Up Six Percent in March 2010
June 18, 2010
Via the Office of Travel & Tourism Industries The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the U.S. outbound non-stop air passenger market totaled 3.3 million in March 2010, increasing six percent compared to March 2009. Top outbound markets were Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and Asia. Air travel was up to all international markets except Mexico which was flat compared to March 2009. Double-digit increases were posted by the Caribbean, Asia, Canada, Middle East, Oceania and Africa. In the first three months of 2010, the outbound air market increased three percent when compared to the same period in 2009, reaching 8.6 million. From July 2009, U.S. air travel abroad has registered month-over-month increases in eight of nine months. In the first three months of 2010, positive growth occurred in five of the eight overseas regions, with Oceania, the Middle East and Africa posting double-digit increases. Outbound travel to Canada was up five percent but down two percent to Mexico. U.S.... Read More →
By the Numbers
Outdoor Foundation Releases 2010 Outdoor Recreation Participation Top Line Report
May 24, 2010
Washington, D.C. – In 2009, American participation in outdoor recreation was marked by encouraging growth in important segments of core outdoor activities, according to a new report, Outdoor Recreation Participation Top Line Report for 2010, released today by Outdoor Foundation®. The 2010 Topline Report details recent participation trends in outdoor recreation for Americans ages six and older and illustrates ongoing adjustments in American lifestyles brought about by the challenging economy and changing demographics. Initial data from the study shows that general participation in “core” outdoor sports and activities increased three (3.3%) percent to nearly one hundred (100.7%) million participants. Cost-effective categories continued with strong increases. Those activities that can be “done in a day” and fit in with busy schedules continued to post increases in activity: camping, hiking, running and bicycling. The economy in 2009 had a major impact on spending... Read More →
By the NumbersUS Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI) reports International Visitation up 10 Percent in January 2010
April 12, 2010
Spending at $10.3 Billion for the Month The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 3.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States in January 2010, an increase of 10 percent over January 2009. January 2010 marks the fourth straight month of increases in U.S. arrivals. International visitors spent $10.3 billion in January 2010, three percent less than in January 2009. January 2010 marks the fifteenth consecutive month in which the U.S. travel and tourism-related exports were lower than when compared to the same period of the previous year. Read More → Read More →
By the NumbersDespite Economic Downturn, Americans and Foreign Visitors Flocked to U.S. National Parks in 2009
March 3, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ten million more Americans and foreign tourists visited the nation’s national parks last year than in 2008, a 3.9 percent increase that marked the fifth busiest year ever for the National Park System, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today. “People both here and abroad know that our national parks are America’s best idea, even during an economic downturn,” Salazar said. “Our national parks are treasures that tell the story of our country and celebrate its beauty and culture, and they provide vacation bargains for families living on a tight budget. They offer priceless opportunities to inspire adults and children alike with our wonderful natural, cultural and historic heritage.” “In an increasingly sedentary society, our parks give parents a place to connect their children with nature and learn to appreciate the good feelings that come from healthy green exercise,” he said. More than 285 million people visited national parks and other units... Read More →
