Tourist Arrivals in the United States increased to 5410331 in March from 4636160 in February of 2025. This dataset provides - United States Tourist Arrivals- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Historical chart and dataset showing Latin America & Caribbean tourist spending by year from 1995 to 2019.

United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data was reported at 73,453,000.000 Person in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 68,176,000.000 Person for 2014. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data is updated yearly, averaging 61,061,000.000 Person from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2015, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73,453,000.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 51,285,000.000 Person in 1995. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International outbound tourists are the number of departures that people make from their country of usual residence to any other country for any purpose other than a remunerated activity in the country visited. The data on outbound tourists refer to the number of departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips from a country during a given period is counted each time as a new departure.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2023, the number of international tourist arrivals in Latin America and the Caribbean increased by 23 percent to more than 115 million. Mexico, the region's major player in this sector, accounted for roughly 40 percent of the international tourism volume in 2023. Tourism-dependent economies in the region Out of the around 101.5 billion U.S. dollars in international tourism revenue generated in Latin America in 2019, about 24.6 billion were attributed to by Mexico. This sum made up part of the North American nation’s travel and tourism sector, which in turn directly represented about eight percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) of that year. Meanwhile, the economies of many Caribbean countries are even more dependent on travel and tourism. In Aruba, for instance, this sector made up approximately a third of the island’s GDP in 2019. The pandemic’s blow to Mexico’s tourism industry Being the leading country for tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico also has a lot to lose in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2020, it was anticipated that about 1.7 million jobs in Mexico’s travel and tourism industry were endangered due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the country is expected to have experienced a decrease of around 1.6 trillion Mexican pesos in total tourism consumption in 2020.

In 2023, Mexico was the leading outbound travel market in the United States based on the share of tourist departures, at 28 percent, showing a slight decline over 2019. Canada and the United Kingdom followed in second and third place, representing 10 and four percent of outbound tourist departures, respectively.

Due to its geographical position, Mexico is the main recipient of tourism from the United States in Latin America. In 2023, there were nearly 13 million U.S. overnight tourists in Mexican territory – more than 40 percent of the total U.S. tourism volume in Latin America. In that same year, around 10.7 million U.S. Americans traveled to the Caribbean.

United States US: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data was reported at 75,608,000.000 Person in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 77,465,000.000 Person for 2015. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data is updated yearly, averaging 51,107,500.000 Person from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2016, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77,465,000.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 41,218,000.000 Person in 2003. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Arrivals data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

Central America tourist spending for was $0.00, a 0% increase from .

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Central America tourist spending for was <strong>$0.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
<li>Central America tourist spending for was <strong>$0.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
<li>Central America tourist spending for was <strong>$0.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from .</li>
</ul>International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

Monthly U.S. citizen departures are collected and reported in Tourism Industries U.S. International Air Travel Statistics (I-92 data) Program.

The Latin America Travel and Tourism Market Report is Segmented by Type (International Tourism and Domestic/Local Tourism), Purpose (Adventure Tourism, Business Travel, Conference or Seminar Travel, and Family and Friends Visit), and Country (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

Central America is a subcontinent composed of seven countries located between Mexico and Colombia. The region is worldwide known as a tourism destination due to its coastlines bordering both the Pacific ocean and the Caribbean sea. In 2021, the sub-region welcomed nearly five million tourist arrivals, around two million more than a year earlier.

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Cultural Tourism Market Size 2025-2029

The cultural tourism market size is forecast to increase by USD 8.41 billion, at a CAGR of 18.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of individuals seeking unique, immersive experiences to alleviate stress and enrich their personal growth. This trend is further fueled by the burgeoning adoption of advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in cultural tourism, enabling travelers to explore historical sites and artifacts in a more engaging and interactive manner. However, this market faces challenges as well. Overtourism, or the excessive concentration of tourists in specific locations, poses a threat to the preservation of cultural heritage sites and the local communities that rely on tourism.
Addressing this issue through sustainable tourism practices and effective crowd management strategies is essential for companies seeking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the market while mitigating potential risks. By focusing on innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, while respecting and preserving cultural heritage, businesses can differentiate themselves and thrive in this dynamic and growing market.

What will be the Size of the Cultural Tourism Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by the increasing demand for authentic and immersive experiences. Crowd control and tourism infrastructure remain key concerns as cultural heritage sites attract large numbers of visitors. Digital guides and mobile applications enhance the visitor experience, offering GPS navigation, augmented reality, and interactive exhibits. Economic impact is a significant factor, with art galleries, language courses, and adventure tourism contributing to local economies. Visitor management systems and travel advisories ensure responsible tourism practices, while travel agencies and tourist information centers facilitate seamless travel experiences. Visa requirements and health precautions are essential considerations for tourists.

Sustainable tourism initiatives, such as waste management and cultural preservation, minimize environmental impact. Experiential tourism and educational tourism provide unique learning opportunities, while medical tourism caters to health-conscious travelers. Social media marketing and community-based tourism foster authentic connections with local communities. Cultural exchange programs promote cross-cultural understanding. Wellness tourism and religious tourism cater to specific niche markets, offering spiritual and rejuvenating experiences. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and tourist guides, bring history to life. Rural tourism and urban tourism offer diverse experiences, appealing to various travel preferences. Tourism policies and online booking platforms shape the industry, ensuring efficient and accessible travel experiences.

Ongoing trends include the integration of technology and the emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The market continues to unfold, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

How is this Cultural Tourism Industry segmented?

The cultural tourism industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Domestic cultural tourism
  International cultural tourism


Service

  Cultural eco-tourism
  Indigenous cultural tourism
  Socio-cultural tourism


Application

  Leisure
  Religious pilgrimage
  Education
  Research


Traveler Type

  Solo Travelers
  Group Travelers
  Families


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The domestic cultural tourism segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, domestic tourism is experiencing a significant surge, fueled by the quest for genuine experiences, technological innovations, and government incentives promoting local heritage. Mobile applications serve as essential tools, granting travelers instant access to detailed guides, maps, and cultural information for their destinations. This convenience and ease of use enhance the planning and navigation process for cultural tours. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications have gained popularity, offering immersive experiences that enable u

U.S. tourist spending for 2020 was 84.21 billion US dollars, a 64.83% decline from 2019.

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<li>U.S. tourist spending for 2019 was <strong>239.45 billion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>1.05% decline</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>U.S. tourist spending for 2018 was <strong>241.98 billion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>3.52% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
<li>U.S. tourist spending for 2017 was <strong>233.76 billion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>2.28% increase</strong> from 2016.</li>
</ul>International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

Historical chart and dataset showing North America tourist spending by year from 1995 to 2019.

United States US: International Tourism: Receipts data was reported at 244.708 USD bn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 247.394 USD bn for 2015. United States US: International Tourism: Receipts data is updated yearly, averaging 124.427 USD bn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2016, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 247.394 USD bn in 2015 and a record low of 93.743 USD bn in 1995. United States US: International Tourism: Receipts data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2023, the country with the most inbound arrivals to the United States was its neighbor Canada, at 31 percent, showing clear growth over 2019. Mexico and the United Kingdom followed in the ranking that year, representing 22 and six percent of international arrivals, respectively.

In 2023, the total spending of international travelers in Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to almost 128 billion U.S. dollars. In the following year, this figure could increase by 9.7 percent.

In 2021, the volume of tourism from the United States in Cuba dropped by 88 percent versus 2020, when nearly 60 thousand U.S. American residents traveled to the Caribbean country. During the first half of the 2010s, the annual number of U.S. visitor arrivals in Cuba stayed below 100 thousand. The exponential increase in the number of U.S. travelers visiting Cuba in the second half of the past decade coincided with the warming of the relations between the two countries at the end of 2014.

Employment statistics on the Tourism industry in United States

Historical chart and dataset showing World tourist spending by year from 1995 to 2019.