International travel to the U.S. grew by more than 5% in May, compared with data for May 2016, according to the Travel Trends Index report released in July by the U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit representing the travel industry.
The strong showing contradicted fears that tourism from abroad would slow in reaction to U.S. policies and rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s travel ban.
The U.S. Travel Association also revised upward its data regarding travel to the U.S. from April 2017 to a 6.6% increase (up from 4%) over April 2016.
The organization’s Travel Trends Index also showed “solid domestic travel demand” in business and leisure sectors.
Despite the strong spring numbers, an overall slowdown is projected for the year, with anticipated growth in travel through November at just 1.8% higher than last year. The projection is based on data for future bookings.
The Travel Trends Index is compiled with Oxford Economics, using sources including hotel and airline data.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
