The U.S. is on track to reach its goal of attracting 90 million visitors by 2026, a year ahead of schedule, according to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. Raimondo spoke at a press conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, highlighting the economic benefits of tourism to the U.S. and the sector’s recovery from the pandemic. While the industry is expected to fully recover from Covid by next year, inbound visitor spending is not anticipated to fully recover until 2026. In 2023, the U.S. saw roughly 66.5 million international tourists, up from 51 million the previous year.
One area of focus for the U.S. travel industry has been reducing wait times to obtain visitor visas, a priority as the country prepares to host major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Blinken noted that the State Department has made significant progress in this area, with visa wait times down by nearly 60% since the height of the pandemic. The current median wait time for a first-time visitor visa interview is under 60 days. In the 2024 fiscal year, the State Department issued a record 8.5 million visitor visas, the highest figure since 2016.
Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma also highlighted the strong demand for U.S. visitor visas during the Skift Global Forum in September. Despite the high demand, the department was able to reduce visa wait times back to pre-Covid levels. This progress has been crucial as the U.S. looks to welcome a record number of visitors in the coming years. By improving the visa process and reducing wait times, the U.S. is better positioned to attract more international tourists and boost the overall travel industry.
The growth in international tourism is expected to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth across the country. As the tourism sector continues to recover from the pandemic, it is playing a crucial role in helping the U.S. bounce back from the economic challenges of the past couple of years. By attracting more visitors and making it easier for them to obtain visas, the U.S. is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the travel industry and welcoming tourists from around the world.
Overall, the U.S. travel industry is making impressive strides in recovering from the impact of the pandemic and setting itself up for success in the coming years. By exceeding its goal of attracting 90 million visitors by 2026 ahead of schedule, the U.S. is demonstrating its resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With improvements in the visa process and a focus on reducing wait times, the U.S. is able to welcome more international tourists and capitalize on the economic benefits of a thriving tourism sector. As the industry continues to recover and grow, the U.S. is positioned to remain a top destination for travelers from around the world.
