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US setting records for travel abroad
Sunday, 11 Aug, 2005
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A record 61.8 million Americans traveled abroad last year, setting a new record, according to the US Department of Commerce.
It also marked the first year of growth for US outbound travel since 2000.
Finally, it was the first year of double-digit growth since 1995.
Said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services Douglas B. Baker:
“These record-setting outbound travel figures are an indication of the strength of the US economy and further proof that President Bush’s pro-growth policies are working.”
The US outbound market increased by 10% in 2004 compared to 2003 figures.
Trends from the Commerce Department:
- The top five US destinations were Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
- The internet continues to grow but it is still second to travel agents as a source for information and booking international airline reservations.
- More than a third of travelers said their main reason for going was leisure or recreation.
- Business travel took up 12% of the trips.
- The average length of a trip outside the US was 16.2 nights.
- More men traveled abroad then women.
- The average household income of travelers abroad was $110,000.
- The internet continues to grow but it is still second to travel agents as a source for information and booking international airline reservations.
Report by David Wilkening
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