Economic Research: Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism

In 2003, the U.S. travel industry received more than $554.5 billion from domestic and international travelers (excluding international passenger fares). These travel expenditures, in turn, directly generated more than 7.2 million jobs with over $158 billion in payroll income for Americans, as well as $94.7 billion tax revenue for federal, state and local governments.

 

Economic Impact of Travel in the U.S., 2003p
(Including both U.S. resident and International Travel)
Travel Expenditures *	$554.5 Billion
Travel-Generated Payroll	$158.4 Billion
Travel-Generated Employment	7.2 Million Jobs
Travel-Generated Tax Revenue	$94.7 Billion
Trade Surplus	$2.6 Billion
Source: Travel Industry Association of America, Bureau of Economic Analysis/U.S. Department of Commerce
* Includes spending by domestic and international travelers in the U.S. on travel related expenses (i.e., transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment & recreation, and incidental items); p=preliminary

Source: Travel Industry Association of America, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries/U.S. Department of Commerce
* Domestic travel expenditure estimates have been adjusted due to data revisions
p=preliminary.

International Visitors spent $80.2 billion traveling in the U.S. in 2003, including international passenger fares. U.S. resident travelers spent $77.6 billion while traveling in foreign countries during 2003. As a result, a travel trade surplus of $2.6 billion was generated. Click here for detailed data and analysis on travel economic impact.

Source: Travel Industry Association of America, Office of Travel & Tourism Industries /U.S. Department of Commerce
Note: * Spending by international visitors traveling to the U.S. on U.S. flag carriers that are made outside the U.S.
p=preliminary.