Although 2009 was one of the worst years on record for the travel industry, 2010 was "markedly improved," suggesting that the "economic recovery was underway," according to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI), which last week released its "Year in Review" report for 2010.
The report analyzed U.S. travel and tourism statistics from last year and found that the United States welcomed a record-breaking 60 million international visitors in 2010 — up by nearly 9 percent from 2009 — and that those visitors spent more than $134.4 billion on their trip, an increase of nearly 12 percent from the prior year.
Also up last year were U.S. travel and tourism exports, which increased to every world region in 2010, and prices for tourism goods and services, which increased 3.6 percent in 2010 after declining 3.3 percent in 2009.
Unfortunately, one statistic continued to show negative growth, although hemorrhaging slowed considerably from the prior year: Total U.S. travel and tourism-related employment declined 1.4 percent in 2010 following a 7.8 percent decline in 2009, marking the third consecutive year of declines in industry employment.
Said OTTI in a statement: "In summary: 4.8 million more international visitors; $14 billion rise in total travel and tourism-related exports; $68 billion increase in industry output — all suggested a strong recovery had begun. However, given the loss of 112,000 industry-related jobs last year, clearly much work remains."
To view the "2010: Year in Review" report in its entirety, visit tinet.ita.doc.gov/pdf/2010-year-in-review.pdf.