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."
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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.
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