International Tourism Stimulates Economies

New U.S. Department of Commerce data show that travel and tourism by international visitors are having an increasing impact on the U.S. economy.

Travel and tourism by international visitors are having an increasing impact on the U.S. economy, according to data released June 13 by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The U.S. travel and tourism industry is on pace for a record-setting year, with international visitors spending an estimated $54.6 billion in 2012 so far, an increase of 13 percent compared to the same four-month period in 2011. Americans also spent nearly $40 billion abroad in 2011.

“This administration is committed to doing everything we can to support the travel and tourism industry by making sure America is the top destination for international visitors,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez.

California’s wine country is a favorite tourist destination, famous for its award-winning wine and food and scenic country roads. In the photo above, a peacock makes its way past an old cart sitting next to vineyards in the Napa Valley.

The new U.S. tourism data suggest the Obama administration’s efforts to increase travel and tourism in the United States are having an effect. The administration rolled out its new Travel and Tourism Strategy in May.

The national strategy is a blueprint for the United States to welcome 100 million international visitors each year by the end of 2021.

Learn about visiting the United States at DiscoverAmerica.com.