U.S. International Travel Abroad Increased One Percent in October 2009

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. January 29, 2010

The U.S. outbound air market totaled 2.9 million in October 2009, up one
percent compared to October 2008. October 2009 marks the fourth straight
month of increases in U.S. air travel abroad. During the first ten months
of 2009, the U.S. outbound air market has decreased four percent compared

U.S. spending in October 2009 by U.S. travelers on passenger fares totaled $2.07 billion, down 26 percent compared to October 2008. During the first 10 months of 2009, spending by U.S. travelers on air and vessel transportation decreased 21 percent to $21.3 billion. Since passenger fare - receipts (foreign travelers on U. S. carriers), declined by 14 percent for the year, the balance of trade for passenger fares increased to a $1.4 billion surplus.

Highlights: U.S. Citizen Air Traffic to Overseas Regions, Canada & Mexico :

• Overseas markets up four percent in October but down two percent year-to- date.
  
• Europe flat for the month and down four percent year-to-date.
  
• Asia flat for the month and down six percent for the year.
  
• Canada decreased eight percent for the month and down nine percent for the year.
  
• The Caribbean increased 11 percent in October but decreased four percent for the year.
  
• For the month, Mexico was down six percent compared to October 2008. For the year, air traffic to Mexico decreased 12 percent.
  
• South America was up two percent for the month and increased one percent year-to-date.
  
• Central America was down two percent for the month but down one percent year-to-date.
  
• The Middle East was up 40 percent in October and up 46 percent for the year.
  
• Oceania increased 12 percent for the month but decreased one percent for the year.
  
• Africa increased two percent in October and jumped 28 percent for the year.
  

Background
Manufacturing and Services' Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) collects, analyzes and disseminates international travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. To view OTTI arrival data tables, including a business and pleasure arrivals rate of change analysis and a more detailed region and country analysis, please visit: http://www.tinet.ita.doc.gov/view/m-2009-I-001/index.html.

Media Contact:
Office of Travel and Tourism Industries U.S. Department of Commerce
tinet_info@ita.doc.gov