International Visitor Spending in U.S. Drops in May
U.S. travel and tourism-related exports decline for seventh consecutive month
WASHINGTON, DC, July 22, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that international visitors spent an estimated $9.5 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of May-22% less than visitors had spent during May 2008.
---| Travel Receipts: Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $7.5 billion for the month, a decrease of nearly 23% when compared to May 2008. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel.
---| Passenger Fare Receipts: Fares received by U.S. carriers (and U.S. vessel operators) from international visitors decreased more than 22% to $2.1 billion for the month. Passenger fare receipts for May were at their lowest point in nearly two years.
May 2009 marks the seventh straight month in which U.S. travel and tourism-related exports were lower when compared to the same period of the previous year, having declined in November 2008 (-4%), December 2008 (-2%), January 2009 (- 5%), February 2009 (-9%), March 2009 (-19%), April 2009 (-15%), and May (-22%).
Monthly Travel and Tourism Highlights
---| When compared to April, total U.S. exports were up 1.6% in May; conversely, total U.S. services exports decreased 0.4%, while travel and tourism exports disproportionately decreased by 3% (month over month).
---| Year-to-date (January-May) travel and tourism-related exports totaled $50.1 billion, down more than 14% ($8.2 billion) over 2008.
---| The U.S. travel and tourism industry has generated an $8.3 billion trade surplus (i.e., exports minus imports) year to date, more than $3.2 billion less favorable than the same period last year.
- The recent downturn in U.S. travel and tourism exports, beginning in the closing months of 2008, interrupted more than sixty consecutive months of positive growth.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating international travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. For more information relating to OTTI programs, please visit: .
Media Contact:
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries U.S. Department of Commerce
tinet_info@ita.doc.gov
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
