United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US remains top destination for retail tourism
The US remains the preferred choice for shopping vacations, according to World Travel & Tourism Council data.
‘Retail tourism is a thriving market segment’ WTTC President Julia Simpson said at the recent Virtuoso Travel Week.
According to the report, in 2019 retail tourism was worth US$178.2 billion, equivalent to 6% of the tourism sector, and can represent more than 15% in some destinations.
Historically, retail tourism has been overlooked by researchers; resulting in limited data for analysis.
The latest report by WTTC seeks to correct that, providing insights into shopping habits when traveling.
The latest data named the US as the largest contributor of retail tourism to GDP in 2019 (US$34.7 billion).
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the US retained its leading position in 2020 with US$17.5 billion, and grew in 2021.
That year it contributed US$23.9 billion to the country’s economy.
“Our latest findings on the US reinforce its allure as a shopping mecca, highlighting the vital role that retail tourism plays,” Simpson added
Simpson say incentives like tax-free shopping have seen retail tourism revenues boom.
Countries like the UK that scrapped tax-free shopping have seen visitors move to other countries like France or Italy.
The upcoming WTTC report, published next month, seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of retail tourism, highlighting emerging trends, the challenges and opportunities.
The report was created by WTTC and the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, in collaboration with The Bicester Collection.
Related News Stories:
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.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
BA pilot dies during layover
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls