The US is set for an “uneven” travel recovery, a new report projects a week after borders were reopened to vaccinated international visitors,
The US Travel Association’s biannual forecast suggests spending from foreign travellers is not expected to fully recover until 2024 or 2025.
International inbound travel spending is projected to only reach 72% of 2019 levels next year, while domestic leisure travel has returned to almost pre-pandemic levels.
The analysis projects that domestic leisure travel will continue to drive the US travel industry’s recovery in the near term. This segment is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and beyond.
Domestic business travel spending is expected to reach 76% of 2019 levels in 2022 while the segment is not expected to fully recover until 2024.
Policies suggested to accelerate the travel industry’s recovery include providing emergency relief funding to destination marketing organisation, Brand USA, and resuming visit visa processing at US embassies and consulates.
US Travel Association president and chief executive Roger Dow said: “While we see much reason for optimism on the horizon, our forecast reveals that travel’s recovery is uneven with much work ahead to ensure all segments reach pre-pandemic levels.
“We believe that the US can implement smart, effective policies that bring back international visitors more quickly and spur business and professional travel to accelerate an economic and jobs rebound.
“Stabilizing policies can help ensure a more even recovery as we aim to restore the US as the top destination in the world for global travellers.”