International travelers spent $222 billion in US during 2014
International visitors spent a record $222 billion in the US during 2014, despite fears over Ebola and rising air fares.
The latest estimate released by the US Department of Commerce show a 4% increase from 2013.
Travelers spent $43 billion on travel, and a combined $179 billion on accommodations, food and drink, gifts and other related expenses.
It represented a trade surplus of $75.7 billion, as Americans traveling overseas spent an estimated $147 billion.
The rise can be partly attributed to the easing of visa restrictions in emerging markets with growing middle class segments, and a generally stronger economy and improving consumer confidence.
President and chief executive of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow cited moves to simplify visa procedures for travelers from growing markets such as Brazil and China as a key driver.
"The record level of spending by international travelers to the US last year is rock-solid proof that implementing traveler-friendly policies to encourage more visitors to our shores, combined with a robust USA marketing campaign, pays off and pays off big," he said.
"Our economy not only benefits but so does the American worker, through the creation of 1.2 million jobs that can’t be outsourced."
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026