New report shows increase in international travel to U.S.

The number of tourists visiting the United States registered a considerable growth during May, for the 13th consecutive month.

According to the U.S. Travel Association report earlier this week, international travel to North America increased by 5.2 per cent in May, when compared to the same period last year.

The monthly travel index was calculated in a joined effort of USTA and Oxford Economics, in a context that has raised concerns over tourism and travel to the country, as the Donald Trump administration has released the controversial executive order banning citizens of 6 countries from entering the U.S. The travel ban is valid for 90 days for people in Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen and for 120 days for all refugees.

Moreover, last week the Department of Homeland Security implemented new aviation security measures,including laptop and electronics bans for some of the international airports.

The travel industry has urged the White House repeatedly increase "tourism marketing efforts" in order to boost travel to the country, considering the current tense situation.

“There is widespread talk of daunting challenges to the U.S. travel market — perception of the country abroad is mentioned most, but the strong dollar and slowing global economy are factors as well — yet the resilience of our sector continues to astound. Tourism marketing efforts at the federal, state and local level undoubtedly deserve a large measure of credit, and policymakers need to be aware of the large dividends these programs are paying for economic activity, jobs and tax revenues," commented Roger Dow, the President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association.

Despite the country is currently experiencing strong both local and international travel, the travel index for the end of the year is expected to slow down, as the six-month forecast predicts international travel volume increasing by 1.8 per, while domestic travel by 2.2 per cent only until November. Leisure travel has been found to lead the travel group, as business trips have registered a slight decrease during the spring holidays.

“There remains the possibility of unintended consequences from President Trump’s policies related to immigration and international relations. Looking ahead, these factors are expected to negatively impact international inbound travel”, the U.S. Travel Association report quotes.

More analysis will follow, despite the constant headline regarding Trump’s travel ban, as tourism in the country continues to thrive with high bookings and increased interest from all parts of the world.